Tyler Johnson Signs

by ~ 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.

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  • SABR Matt

    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

    good signing, we need another lefty in the pen, should be a good spring training with all the comp. out there.

  • seatown27

    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

    I’m excited for this spring training to see who’ll emerge the victor and get the opening day gig.

  • section331

    For the love of all that is holy, can baseball just START now?!??

  • SABR Matt

    one week. Well…1 week til P&C. Another 2 weeks until games start…but still.