Brian34Cook

Updated: January 6, 2009, 9:38 PM ET
Mariners, RHP Tyler Walker agree to 1-year deal

SEATTLE -- Relief pitcher Tyler Walker and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract Tuesday, giving the team a potential replacement for former closer J.J. Putz.

"Tyler is a pitcher we had identified early on as a guy who could help us in the bullpen," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "He has the ability to pitch in any role: middle relief, setup, and he has experience as a closer."

Walker was 5-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 65 games last season for the San Francisco Giants. In 53 1-3 innings, the right-hander allowed 47 hits, struck out 49 and walked 21 while developing a split-finger fastball for the first time -- the same pitch that helped make Putz an All-Star in 2007.

Walker, who has spent six seasons in the majors, had 23 saves for the Giants in 2005. He earned 10 more in 2006 after being traded to Tampa Bay, then had elbow ligament replacement surgery in July 2006 and missed 13 months before returning to the Giants.

"I am thankful and happy to be here. After the Giants released me, I sat down with my agent and we put together a list of teams I'd be interested in. Seattle was right at the top of the list," Walker said in a telephone interview. "I'm happy in any role -- including closing. I'll do whatever they ask me to."

Walker can earn an additional $150,000 in performance bonuses -- $25,000 each for 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 games.

Mariners, RHP Tyler Walker agree to 1-year deal - MLB - ESPN