ESPN 710′s Shannon Drayer is reporting via Twitter that the Mariners have signed OF Eric Byrnes to a 1 year deal. Terms of the deal aren’t yet available, but I’d have to imagine it’s near the major league minimum.

Byrnes had a good offensive season in 2007, posting a .812 OPS and stealing 50 bases. Since then, it’s been all downhill. Byrnes was recently released by the Arizona Diamondbacks after struggling with injuries for 2 straight years. He’s been a poor offensive player for those years, with .641 and .663 OPS back to back. He’s right handed hitter who isn’t particularly patient at the plate.

The upside to Byrnes is that he’s an excellent defensive player who can cover all 3 outfield positions. Most projection systems place him in the .710-.740 OPS range for the 2010 season.

Jack Z had this to say on Byrnes: “We think Eric is a great fit for our team. He is a high-energy player with a veteran presence. We look forward to him competing for a spot on our roster when spring training starts.” Hardly sounds like a guarantee or a ringing endorsement.

I view this move as a low risk high reward signing as a 4th outfielder who can platoon or pinch hit against lefties. Even in the past 2 down years, Byrnes has still managed to hit lefties at around a .790 OPS clip. He’s been awful against righties.

Byrnes is an interesting addition who should be able to contribute defensively and offensively against lefties. My guess is that he may fit in a part time platoon with Langerhans (if he makes the team) or possibly bump him from the rotation as we continue to look for another piece to add to the offense. I don’t think Z is done.

The M’s DFA’d Tommy Everidge to make room for Byrnes. We hardly knew ye.