Struggling Johnson Has Fun

Seattle’s Randy Johnson, the most intimidating pitcher in baseball when sound, gave up four runs in 1 2/3 innings against an Oakland split squad at Peoria, Ariz., while pitching his first game since back surgery in September.

But, despite his struggles, Johnson felt something he had missed since last May--he enjoyed himself on a baseball field.

“I’m having more fun now because my body’s responding,” Johnson said. “I hadn’t had fun baseball-wise since my last start.”

Johnson was limited to eight starts last season because of a herniated disk. His last start was May 12, when he lasted five innings.

The left-hander had surgery Sept. 12 and has spent the winter going through rehabilitation.

Johnson gave up three hits and walked three Friday. His pitches ranged from 89-94 mph, but many were way inside or high.

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Andy Benes and Danny Jackson, two-fifths of St. Louis’ projected starting rotation, will be sidelined for at least four weeks and will sit out the start of the season.

Benes, who had been the likely opening-day starter, has a strained left rib cage muscle, injured while pitching Thursday in an exhibition game against the Chicago White Sox. Jackson, hurt while pitching in his spring debut Tuesday, has an injured muscle on the right side of his rib cage.

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New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner met briefly with shortstop Derek Jeter, whose contract will be renewed at a salary set by the team.

The 1996 American League rookie of the year rejected a $450,000, one-year deal, asking for $550,000. Under baseball’s new labor agreement, the Yankees can pay him as little as $150,000. Jeter will not be eligible for arbitration until after the 1998 season.

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Four days after umpires announced their new “get tough” policy--threatening to eject players and managers at the slightest provocation--acting Commissioner Bud Selig announced a working group to study on-field relations.