PADRES NOTES: Johnson battling for a roster spot

By: BRIAN HIRO - Staff Writer | Wednesday, March 1, 2006 11:10 PM PST ∞

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- Ben Johnson is taking nothing for granted.

Following a rookie year in which he homered in three consecutive games late in the season and started once in the playoffs, the Padres' outfielder could have come to spring training assuming that a roster spot was assured.

Instead, Johnson wants to prove himself like a no-name player in a tryout camp.

A day after he hit a double off the left-field fence, Johnson ripped a three-run homer Wednesday in the Padres' second intrasquad game.

"I still feel like I have to make the team," Johnson said. "Here, nothing is given to me. I have to earn it. That's a tough outfield to break. It's not going to be easy for any outfielder."

The 24-year-old Johnson is competing with Terrmel Sledge, Eric Young (who also plays infield), Paul McAnulty and Freddy Guzman to be the Padres' fourth outfielder behind starters Brian Giles, Mike Cameron and Dave Roberts.

To give himself a leg up, Johnson sacrificed spending the holidays with his family to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic. As a result, he said, his timing and pitch recognition are ahead of schedule this spring.

"I'm going to do whatever it takes to be a better ballplayer," said Johnson, who hit .213 in 75 at-bats last season.

Classic departures


Ten days after pitcher Chan Ho Park left camp to go to Japan, the World Baseball Classic will take more players from the Padres today.

Catcher Mike Piazza leaves this morning to fly to Orlando, Fla., where he will train with Italy for the international tournament. Third baseman Vinny Castilla and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will participate in the morning workout, then drive to Tempe for Mexico's training camp.

Jake Peavy will start and pitch two innings in this afternoon's charity game against Seattle before going to Phoenix, site of the U.S. camp.

Short hops


Manager Bruce Bochy praised the work of RHP Stephen Andrade, a burly reliever who struck out two batters in a scoreless inning Wednesday. Andrade, acquired by the Padres through the Rule 5 draft, could push for a bullpen job. Bochy compared his delivery with that of Arizona closer Jose Valverde. ... 1B Adrian Gonzalez showed why club officials have likened him to Wally Joyner with a beautiful diving backhand stop. "He handles the glove very well," Bochy said. ... Among those scheduled to follow RHP Jake Peavy in today's charity game are LHP Shawn Estes, RHP Trevor Hoffman, RHP Scott Linebrink and RHP Cesar Carrillo. Regulars in the lineup include Dave Roberts, Mike Cameron, Brian Giles and Ryan Klesko. ... The Padres finalized a one-year, $405,000 contract with SS Khalil Greene, who will be eligible for arbitration after the season.