Former Padre Jon Garland Signs Minor League Deal With Seattle Mariners

You would think the Seattle Mariners broke the bank as they are tossing around$175 million over seven years to their best player Felix Hernandez, the deal is not finalized yet because of an elbow issue, apparently the Mariners still have some funds in the bank as they signed another free-agent pitcher to their organization.

May 21, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jon Garland (21) throws out a Chicago White Sox base runner during the first inning at US Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The Mariners added journeyman and former Padres starting pitcher Jon Garland to its off-season transactions list on Saturday when both Garland and the M’s agreed to terms on a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.com

The signing is most likely a move for the Mariners to protect its assets. In the case, the Mariners’ $175 million man were to go down with an injury, the Mariners can have Garland as an insurance policy to fill-in for the injured Hernandez.

Don’t get me wrong, Garland has nowhere near the talent level as King Felix does, but he is a veteran guy who has been around the block a few times. Garland’s presence can anchor a young Mariners’ rotation much like he did with the Padres in 2010, when he was the senior leader on a rotation that included Tim Stauffer, Mat Latos and Clayton Richard.

A shoulder injury suffered in 2011 prevented Garland from pitching in 2012. Now Garland is on the comeback trail with the Mariners.

Over 12 Major League seasons,the right hander has a 132-119 record with a 4.32 ERA with 2,083 1/3 innings pitched.

Did the curse of the injured Padres pitchers finally catch up to Garland?