Jamie Burke re-signs with Mariners
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.
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.