MLB.com reports that the Seattle Mariners have signed veteran catcher Josh Bard and reliever Chad Cordero to Minor League deals with invitations to Spring Training.

Bard, 32 on Opening Day 2010, hit .230 with 6 home runs and 31 RBI’s for the Washington Nationals in 2009.  He made $1.7 million last season and had a team option for $3 million for 2010, but it was not picked up by the Nationals.  Bard will compete with Eliezer Alfonzo, Rob Johnson and Adam Moore for a roster spot and playing time with the Mariners.

Cordero, 28 on Opening Day 2010, did not pitch in 2009.  He had shoulder surgery in July 2008 and has been rehabbing the injury ever since.  In 2007, his last full season, he had 37 saves with a 3.36 ERA over 75 innings pitched.  It was believed that the Phillies had Cordero on their radar last week.

You can see Josh Bard’s contract history and statistics here.
You can see Chad Cordero’s contract history and statistics here.