Tis the season of baseball trades and new contracts being signed.
One of the most recent deals is the Seattle Mariners signing Corey Hart for a one-year contract. Hart was previously with the Milwaukee Brewers and has played both first base and outfield.
In a sweet twist of fate, Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik drafted Hart in 2000 when he was the director of scouting for the Brewers.
The news broke of Hart’s deal with the Mariners when he sent a text message to the Associated Press confirming he had agreed to the one-year contract.
However, Hart’s deal is still pending. After missing all of last season due to knee surgery, Hart will have a closely monitored physical. (Can’t waste money on a guy who may not even be able to play.)
Hart had right knee surgery in January 2013 after it was discovered that he had a meniscus tear and joint damage. Previously Hart had damaged cartilage fixed on his right knee before the 2012 season.
But Hart doesn’t seem to think his knees will be an issue. The new Mariner said, “Knees good as well as the rest of me. Been working hard and glad to be able to get out there with this exciting club.”
corey hart is headed for #mariners, according to sources. 1 year deal. will likely bat behind cano.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 11, 2013
And it seems the Mariners were willing to pay a hefty sum for Hart.
The #Brewers, who would have given base salary and incentives worth about $8 million to Hart, now turning focus to James Loney
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2013
Hart isn’t the only player the Mariners signed. Adding to their greatest get, Robinson Cano, the Mariners will also be getting Logan Morrison through a trade with the Miami Marlins.
The #Mariners making moves, just as promised, with the addition of nice bats Logan Morrison and Corey Hart.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2013
The moves the Mariners are making are impressing many a baseball fan.
Wow. The #Mariners have signed Corey Hart, and traded for Logan Morrison along with Cano. They're definitely going for it. I'm impressed.
— JusticeJM (@JusticeJM) December 12, 2013