The Mariners made it official Monday, signing catcher Miguel Olivo to a two-year contract a two-year contract with a club option for 2013. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Mariners designated RHP Anthony Varvaro for assignment. The Mariners now have 10 days to trade, release or outright Varvaro to the minors.
Olivo, 32, spent the 2010 season with the Colorado Rockies and hit .269 with 17 doubles, six triples, 14 home runs and 58 RBIs in 112 games. He had a splendid first half, batting .325 with eight doubles, five triples, 11 home runs and 42 RBI.
Prior to the All-Star break, Olivo was in the top five among catchers in: average (2nd-.325), slugging (2nd-.548), runs (3rd-42), triples (1st-5), home runs (T-3rd-11) and RBI (1st-42).
Olivo played for the Mariners from 2004-05 after being acquired from the Chicago White Sox in the Freddy Garcia trade.
Varvaro appeared in four games for the Mariners in 2010 and had an 0-1 record with an 11.25 ERA.
