Scratch Chad Cordero

[IFallsRon]

The Mariners continued to build their bullpen on Thursday, signing right-hander Chad Cordero to a Minor League contract and inviting the former big league closer to Major League camp.

"We are going to take it one step at a time, but we are optimistic that Chad can help us this season," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a club statement. "Chad has been a quality Major League closer and we look forward to his contributions to our ballclub in 2009."

Cordero, who turns 27 on March 18, will continue rehabilitation from right shoulder surgery that he underwent last July. Cordero appeared in six games with the Washington Nationals in 2008, went on the disabled list twice and saw his season end in early May.

If Cordero can return to his peak form, the Mariners will have pulled off a steal of a signing.

Prior to missing the bulk of the 2008 season, Cordero averaged nearly 38 saves per season over the previous three years. From 2005-07, Cordero saved 113 games while making 218 appearances, an average of 72.7 games per year. He had a career-high 47 saves in 2005 while notching a 1.82 ERA with the Nationals and was named to the National League All-Star team.

[Brian H]

Only 27 years old?? Seems like he has been around forever.