Tyler Johnson Signs
by Jon ~ February 5th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Geoff Baker is back on the beat and is reporting that the Mariners have signed LHRP Tyler Johnson to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
Johnson, 28 years old this season, missed all of 2008 with shoulder bursitis but was an effective reliever for two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before that. Before getting hurt Johnson threw a fastball in the upper 80s, lots of sliders that landed in the high 70s and low 80s, while mixing in the occasional curveball and perhaps a changeup or two to right handed batters.
Seattle isn’t going to spend any money on one of the (relatively) high priced lefty relievers still available on the free agent market and are hoping that if they throw enough spaghetti at the wall someone will stick. Johnson joins Chris Seddon, Justin Thomas, Jason Vargas, Jose Lugo and possibly Ryan Rowland-Smith (depending on what happens with the rotation) in the competition for team LOOGY.
Oh, and apparently his nipples are pierced. I have a feeling that Dave Sims might come up with some pretty entertaining commentary once he discovers this.
6 Responses to Tyler Johnson Signs
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment. If you don't yet have an account, please register here and join the discussion. Registration takes only a few seconds!
SABR Matt
February 5th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
That’s just disturbing…LOL
As far as Johnson goes…missing a whole year to bursitis that required surgery…that’s not the best indicator of his health for the Ms. But it’s just another piece to look at. No biggie.
Jimenez has one of the lefty spots locked down for now…the other spot will probably go to RRS to start the year unless they trade Washburn.
Luisam911
February 5th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
good signing, we need another lefty in the pen, should be a good spring training with all the comp. out there.
seatown27
February 5th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
the bullpen competition this spring is going to be fun for sure. nobosy should be guaranteed a spot in the pen. just take the 6 or 7 best guys at the end of the spring.
Slurve
February 5th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I’m excited for this spring training to see who’ll emerge the victor and get the opening day gig.
section331
February 6th, 2009 at 10:25 am
For the love of all that is holy, can baseball just START now?!??
SABR Matt
February 6th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
one week. Well…1 week til P&C. Another 2 weeks until games start…but still.