Seattle in good hands with its backstops

Mariners (41-38) at Red Sox (48-31), 10:05 a.m. PT

Jim Street / MLB.com

BOSTON -- Two capable catchers come in handy, and manager Don Wakamatsu wants to give both Kenji Johjima and Rob Johnson enough playing time to keep both of them sharp and rested.

Each receiver has his strengths and weaknesses, which keeps Wakamatsu playing a game of matchups, being careful not to have a particular pitcher throwing entirely to the same catcher.

That was an issue addressed during Spring Training and Wakamatsu, a former catcher, has stuck to his guns and had Johjima and Johnson catching everyone's games.

Johjima, who probably will start Saturday afternoon's game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, has the edge over Johnson in the hitting and arm-strength departments. Johnson is regarded as the best overall defensive catcher, however.

Wakamatsu has been impressed with the quality of throws Johjima makes in virtually every game he plays. He became only the second big league catcher this season to nail Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter while attempting to steal second base.

Johjima erased Jeter from the bases in the third inning on Thursday night following a leadoff single, and he contributed two singles in Seattle's 8-4 victory at Yankee Stadium.

The 26-year-old Johnson, six years younger than Johjima, has what Wakamatsu calls "intangibles," which make him so valuable behind the plate.

"I think he has a presence back there, and he builds a belief system with the pitchers that it's a partnership," Wakamatsu said. "He can get them through some things during a game."

Johnson is a work in progress on offense, but he came alive in the Friday's 7-6 extra-inning win over the Red Sox. He delivered the game-winner on his third double of the night, which was a career high and tied a club record.

"Eventually, he will be able to figure it out offensively," Wakamatsu said before Friday's game.