Mariners acquire John Jaso

Jack Zduriencik addressed catching depth with his first addition to the major league roster as he has acquired John Jaso from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Josh Lueke and a player to be named later.

“John gives us a left-handed hitting catcher with some big league time who is still young,” Zduriencik said in the official press release. “His left-handed bat will be a nice compliment to our right-handed hitting group. He’s a tough kid with post-season experience and should be a nice fit with us.”

Last year Jaso posted a .224 average and .298 OBP in 89 starts. He was the opening day starter but missed 33 games with an oblique strain.

While not a power guy he put up a .263 average with a .372 on base percentage in his 2010 rookie campaign. That year he walked 59 times while striking out only 39 times.

The acquisition of Jaso should take some of the wear and tear off Miguel Olivo next year as well as add depth while the the team awaits the young catchers further down in the system. Jaso will not be arbitration-eligible until next year.