Better than ever: at 38, Diamondbacks ace Randy Johnson continues to raise his level of pitching dominance with intimidation and a touch of finesse.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

RANDY JOHNSON HAS REACHED THAT RARE TIME IN ANY GREAT ATHLETE'S career, one that eludes most of them, that idyllic confluence when his place in history has been secured and his skills have not begun to succumb to the ravages of time.

In fact, it's safe to say that at 38, Johnson has never been better, never been happier, never been more respected. And judging by his early showing in 2002 (8-1 in his first 11 starts), the Big Unit is piecing together another successful season.

During his 15th season in the majors, he was hitting 98 mph on the speed gun, setting up the hitters with scientific precision, while averaging 11.4 strikeouts, 2.5 walks and 7.2 hits per nine innings through his first 11 starts.

It has all come together for Johnson: the smarts, the mechanics, the realization--long in sinking in--that a ground out is not only just as good as a strikeout, but better, if it allows him to pitch more innings in September and beyond.

All this, and the preservation of his wondrous stuff, the explosive fastball that with his long stride and gangly arms looks like it's coming from about 20 feet away.

It's beginning to look like Johnson is one of those genetic freaks of nature, like his mentor Nolan Ryan, who will be a power pitcher from his first pitch in Rookie League until he calls it a career, an event that's not even in his mind-set.

"Get back to me; I don't know," he replied when asked how many more years his arm has left.