Jamie Burke re-signs with Mariners

Jamie Burke re-signs with Mariners

The Seattle Mariners pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, left, makes a visit to the mound with catcher Jamie Burke, center, as starting pitcher Erik Bedard wipes his brow with the bases loaded in the third inning of Sunday's game.

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Story Published: Dec 23, 2008 at 2:27 PM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 23, 2008 at 2:27 PM PDT

By Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) - Jamie Burke has returned to the Seattle Mariners after becoming a free agent earlier this month.

The team announced Tuesday the 37-year-old backup catcher agreed to a minor-league contract for 2009. He has an invitation to spring training to make the Mariners for a third season.

Burke, a native of Roseburg, Ore., appeared in 48 games with Seattle last season and batted .261. He was originally signed as a minor league free agent in November 2006. He made a major league, opening day roster for the first time in 15 professional seasons when the Mariners had him to begin 2007.

He became a free agent after he was not tendered a contract on Dec. 12.

The Mariners now have four catchers on their 40-man major league roster: Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement, Rob Johnson and Burke.

Clement or Johjima could be Seattle's designated hitter next season if the other is the starting catcher.

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