Just an ordinary day for a couple of ex-Rattlers

Well, maybe not.

Jake Wild walked into the Seattle Mariners' minor league clubhouse Monday morning expecting to go through his usual workout. He walked away Monday afternoon having pitched to a legend.

Gee, if he'd only brought his prized Ken Griffey Jr. baseball cards.

Like a lot of Mariners prospects, Wild has reported early to make sure he's in shape before minor league camp begins March 8.

A coach approached not long after he arrived Monday, saying he was needed to pitch in a simulated game at 11 o'clock. Wild was glad to get the work, and when he stepped onto the rubber Griffey was the first hitter he faced.

Yes, there was an awe-factor involved.

"That was my guy growing up," said Wild, a 24-year-old right-hander who pitched at Class A Wisconsin and High Desert last year. "It's pretty cool. I've got his baseball cards. Maybe I can see if he'll sign them."

Besides Griffey, three other Mariners who are being brought along slowly in camp took their swings in the simulated game -- Mike Sweeney, Russell Branyan and Yuniesky Betancourt. Left-hander Travis Mortimor also pitched to them.

The only player to really connect was Sweeney, who homered to left field off Mortimor.

Mortimore changed the spelling of his name? Who knew?