Pitching Staff Can’t Say Enough About Johnson

Nine-year veteran Ramon Martinez is typically reserved, which is why the scene was so telling.

The Dodger ace appeared downright giddy as he spoke Sunday about his first experience pitching to newly acquired all-star catcher Charles Johnson. The right-hander’s face was creased with a wide grin after the team’s 6-3 victory over the Montreal Expos at Dodger Stadium, and he made gestures like some wide-eyed rookie in awe of his battery mate.

“I knew he was one of the best catchers in the game, I knew that, but he’s so good,” Martinez said. “He just wants to make you feel comfortable, he wants you to pitch the way you want to.

“He reminds me of [former catcher now coach] Mike Scioscia in my early years, the way he calls a game. With someone like him behind the plate, you can’t help but feel comfortable.”

That could be perceived as an indirect shot at the Dodgers’ former catcher--Mike Piazza--but that wasn’t Martinez’s aim. It’s just that Johnson is exceptional defensively and as a receiver.

“With him, you don’t have to worry about the baserunners, you don’t have to worry about them at all,” Martinez said. “You’re not worried even if you don’t have a great [pickoff] move, because you know that not many guys are going to run. All you have to do is keep them close.

“And sometimes, you don’t even have to do that much.”

Pitching coach Glenn Gregson is equally impressed with the three-time Gold Glove Award winner.

“When you have a guy back there with his defensive skills, he just completely shuts down a running game,” Gregson said. “His reputation really precedes him. As soon as you put his name on a lineup card, it automatically shuts it down.”

Moreover, Johnson’s intelligence and instincts also set him apart from the backstop pack, Gregson said. Johnson is a coach on the field.

“The caliber of catcher he is, he picks up things so quickly,” Gregson said. “I know we’ve talked about the transition period he needs with this staff, but quite frankly, I think his transition period can be the warmup pitches [in the bullpen] at the start of the games.

“This guy is the total package.”

ON DECK

* Opponent--Chicago Cubs, three games.

* Site--Wrigley Field, Chicago.

* Tonight--5 PDT.

* TV--WGN Thursday.

* Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 21-22, Cubs 25-18.

* Record vs. Cubs--4-2.

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK (4-1, 4.69 ERA)

vs.

CUBS’ STEVE TRACHSEL (4-1, 3.28 ERA)

* Update--The Dodgers are 2-0 since the Mike Piazza trade, and there’s a bounce in their step for the first time in a long time. “Everything starts in the clubhouse, and the mood [in there] is really good now,” Manager Bill Russell said. “Guys are laughing and having a good time again, and they’re bringing that with them out on the field. [The trade has] given us the boost we needed.” Moreover, it’s provided the infusion of talent they needed. “We know that it’s not going to be all on one or two guys to drive runs in anymore,” second baseman Eric Young said. “We don’t have to only rely on the big inning, we’re just more versatile.” Park, who starts in the series opener, quipped: “Nobody’s interested in my back [problems] anymore?” Not this week, Chan Ho.

Wednesday, 11:15 a.m.--Hideo Nomo (2-5, 4.56) vs. Kevin Tapani (5-2, 4.37).

Thursday, 11:15 a.m.--Ismael Valdes (3-5, 4.76) vs. Mark Clark (3-5, 4.94).