Mariners sign catcher Ronny Paulino to minor-league deal

The Mariners, who recently traded catcher John Jaso to acquire outfielder Mike Morse, have signed another catcher to a minor-league deal.

The Mariners have signed catcher Ronny Paulino to a minor-league deal, according to CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman.

The team recently traded catcher John Jaso in a three-team deal that netted the Mariners Mike Morse, and the 31-year-old Paulino could represent a solid second option behind expected starter Jesus Montero, should he put together a good spring training.

Paulino made just 64 plate appearances with the Orioles in 2012, hitting .254/.266/.302 with no home runs. He also hit .287/.341/.380 with one home run in 164 plate appearances in Triple-A, but his main value comes against left-handed pitching, as Paulino has hit .325/.379/.495 with 17 home runs in 664 career major-league plate appearances against southpaws.

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