NEW YORK — In spring training the Mariners had two catchers trying to bounce back from the worst seasons of their careers, but with the odd juxtaposition that one was brought into replace the other.
It was a calculated move by general manager Jerry Dipoto to address the Mariners’ abysmal situation at the position.
He signed free agent Chris Iannetta — a player he knew with the Rockies and had acquired as GM of Angels — in the offseason, believing he would bounce back from an awful 2015.
Meanwhile, last year’s starter, Mike Zunino, was ticketed for Class AAA Tacoma to regain his confidence, re-work his swing and revamp his approach at the plate without the pressure of producing at the big leagues.