Mariners Sign Former-Bear - KXXV-TV News Channel 25 - Central Texas News and Weather for Waco, Temple, Killeen |

SEATTLE (AP) - The Seattle Mariners have finalized a one-year deal with catcher Kelly Shoppach, providing a needed backup to expected starter Jesus Montero.  Shoppach played his college baseball at Baylor University.

 Seattle announced the deal Thursday. To make room on the 40-man roster, Seattle designated for assignment reliever Shawn Kelley, who just last week agreed to a 1-year, $935,000 deal with the team to avoid arbitration. Seattle now has 10 days to trade, release or outright Kelley to the minors should he clear waivers.

 Shoppach played for Boston and the New York Mets last season, appearing in 76 games. The 32-year-old also has a relationship with Seattle manager Eric Wedge, having played for him in Cleveland for parts of four seasons from 2006-09. Montero and Shoppach are the only two catchers on Seattle's 40-man roster.