Catcher Zaun will sign today, presumably not with Mariners

Free agent catcher Gregg Zaun, mentioned early this week as someone the Mariners might want in a tandem with Rob Johnson, told a Toronto radio station this morning that he probably would sign with a team by the end of the day.

When asked if reports were accurate that he had been talking with the Brewers, Rockies, Rays and Mariners, Zaun told FAN 590 in Toronto: "It's one of those teams."

The 38-year-old veteran would be a nice addition to the Mariners, although it doesn't seem likely. I base that on what general manager Jack Zduriencik told beat reporters on Thursday and what manager Don Wakamatsu told me on Tuesday. Another official I spoke with this morning said he hadn't heard of anything serious going on with Zaun.

Zduriencik said Thursday that no moves were imminent. Wakamatsu said Tuesday that catching, despite the uncertainty because of the recent surgeries Johnson had on both hips, may not be addressed until the team deals with other needs this offseason.

"If we sign a big free agent, we may have to look at other areas where we go young," Wakamatsu said. "It might be the catching. But I don't have the pie. I don't really know what ownerhship is looking to spend."

Zaun has said he wants considerable playing time, and the Mariners could be willing to do that. Wakamatsu wouldn't mind an even split in playing time with whoever comprise his catching tandem, whether it's Johnson/Zaun or Johnson and impressive prospect Adam Moore.

One important factor is Johnson's health, and the Mariners won't know his status until well into spring training. Reports have been positive concerning his recovery from the hip operations and ligament repair on his left wrist, but it's possible Johnson won't be ready when the season begins. There's some concern in the organization that he may not be fully recovered until May.

Of the other teams on Zaun's list, the Rockies and Brewers may offer opportunity for more playing time.

The Rockies turned down Yorvit Torrealba's $4 million option for 2010 and would like to re-sign him at a cheaper price, but Torrealba seems intent on testing the free agent market. The Brewers have a definite need after deciding against offering arbitration to Jason Kendall despite little major league experience in their catching. The Rays also may want to bring Zaun back, although they acquired Kelly Shoppach from the Indians this week and still have Dioner Navarro.

Besides Zaun, the Mariners also have been linked to veteran Twins backup Mike Redmond. Adding him would give the Mariners an experienced backstop with a stellar clubhouse reputation, while allowing Moore to play every day at Class AAA Tacoma.