Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik continues to stockpile arms for spring training. The Mairners signed left-handed pitcher Tyler Johnson to a minor league contract on Thursday, and extended an invite to major league spring training.

"Tyler is an experienced, left-handed reliever that gives us another option to look at for our bullpen," Zduriencik said. "He's had success at the Major League level, especially against left-handed hitters. Over the past several weeks, we've had Duane Shaffer watching him throw, and the reports have been very positive."

Johnson basically missed all of last season after being placed on the Cardinals 60-day disabled list March 31 with bursitis in his left shoulder. Johnson had shoulder surgery in 2007 and just never could get healthy.

In 2007, pitching with St. Louis, Johnson appeared in 55 games, and held opposing hitters to a .217 (31-for-143) batting average against. He had appeared in 56 games with the Cardinals in 2006, and limited left-handed hitters to a .221 (17-for-77) batting average against. He led all St. Louis pitchers with 10 appearances and 4 holds during the 2006 post-season, striking out 12 in 7.1 innings pitched.

Johnson is 3-5, 4.32 in 116 Major League games with the Cardinals (2005-2008), all in relief. He has tossed 77.0 innings, and allowed just 67 hits while striking out 65.

The Mariners now have 60 players reporting to Major League Spring Training (40 players on 40-man roster, 20 non-roster invitees). Pitchers and Catchers will hold their first workout February 14 in Peoria, Ariz., and the first full-squad workout will be held Feb. 18.

Ah, center field.

The Seattle Mariners have memories of Ken Griffey Jr. out there, ruling the position in the ‘90s. And, once he’d been traded, Mike Cameron – against all odds – won the hearts of fans at Safeco Field with his play in center.

Since Cameron, the position has been wide open.

Last year, for instance, the position was manned by an unhappy Ichiro, Wladimir Balentien, Willie Bloomquist, Miguel Cairo and Jeremy Reed. That added to a cast that’s included Adam Jones, Randy Winn, Joe Borchard, Matt Lawton, Jamal Strong, Quinton McCracken and Hiram Bocachica since 2004.

This year, the Mariners are bringing one legitimate center fielder to camp – Franklin Gutierrez – and another, Endy Chavez, who is said to be just as capable.

What can Mariners fans expect?

That will be one of the quieter stories to follow all spring. Gutierrez is far more of a question mark at the plate, where he has a .248 career average, than in the field. At 26, scouts say Gutierrez is an All-Star on defense, with marvelous range and the ability to make plays anywhere.

Think Jeremy Reed with more speed and a better arm. And, unlike the potential Seattle fans saw in Jones – along with the mistakes of a young outfielder – Gutierrez has experience.

Mariners fans have been waiting to fall in love with a center fielder again since Cameron left after 2003. Gutierrez isn’t going to hit 25 home runs and might not hit 10. He isn’t going to drive in 100 runs, either.

But in the field, the Mariners believe they’ve filled that gaping hole in center. If he can play the position and throw in a few dazzlers, Gutierrez has the likeable personality fans can embrace.

He’s a big piece of the ‘new’ Mariners. Let’s start him up and see how he runs.