Mariners, Garko agree on one year contract

Not the biggest bat available but Ryan Garko fits the Mariners perfectly. On Monday the former Indian and Giant came to an agreement with the Seattle Mariners on a one year contract worth 550,000.

Garko can earn another 525,000 in bonuses if he makes 600 plate appearances, something Garko has never done in his career.

With the addition of Garko to the Mariners roster he figures to be in competition with Casey Kotchman for the starting first baseman in 2010 as well as a platoon in LF, DH, 1B and a last ditch catcher should the M's need one, which doesn't look likely.

In a conference call with the Seattle media Monday Garko explained his reasoning for choosing Seattle.

"It's pretty obvious I'm here to help against left-handed pitching, whether as a first baseman or DH, and be around to catch if the situation comes up."

Garko is a career .278 hitter with 55 career homeruns and a .351 OBP to go along with a career .441 slugging percentage.

With the addition of Ryan Garko to the Mariners lineup, they now have created a log jam of outfield/infield talent going into spring training.

Currently on the projected bench would be Michael Saunders, Ryan Langerhans, Ken Griffey Jr. (DH), Jack Hannahan, Matt Tuiasosopo, Mike Carp, and either or Ryan Garko/Casey Kotchman, unless they decided to split time this season at first base.

The Mariners still have one or two more moves to make regarding their starting rotation with Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn still unsigned free agents.

Bedard looks to do what Ben Sheets did. Take a year off from baseball, get 100 percent healthy and then sign a $8-$10 million dollar contract in 2011.

Jarrod Washburn on the other hand has been linked in recent days to be high on the Mariners list, and Washburn would prefer to reup with Seattle considering his first half stats before being traded to Detroit last season.

He turned down a one year, $5 million dollar offer from the Minnesota Twins so it could be that he either ways $6+ million on a one year deal OR he wants to sign with Seattle for $5 million.

So the next move to watch out for is Jarrod Washburn to the Seattle Mariners.

NOTE: the Mariners designated RHP Gaby Hernandez for assignment to make room for Garko.