Kelly Shoppach Signing with Seattle Mariners Official

Sep 12, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets catcher Kelly Shoppach (6) singles to shallow center during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Kelly Shoppach’s signing with the Seattle Mariners is official. Shoppach, a free agent catcher who formerly played with the New York Mets, will be receiving $935,000 in his one-year contract should he live up to the Mariners expectations and play for the full year.

The Mariners’ organization delayed the official announcement because they needed to designate someone from the 40-man roster for trade or release. They have selected Shawn Kelley, a designated reliever, for the position.

Shoppach will provide a much-needed backup to Jesus Montero as catcher. This is especially important now that Montero is involved with accusations of PED use that he, and the Seattle management, denies. Shoppach has 8 years experience with the Major Leagues, playing for the Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Cleveland Indians before batting for the Mets. Over his career, he has amassed a .226 batting average, 67 home runs, and 207 RBIs within 536 games.

Shoppach will be competing with catcher Ronnie Paulino during spring training for a slice of the big time with the Mariners. Paulino was invited to spring training after he too has spent 8 years building a career within the major leagues.

What do you think of the Shoppach deal? Is he receiving too much for his potential service to the team? Was Shawn Kelley the right guy to designate?