Mariners announce $2.75M deal for Ryan

The Seattle Mariners have announced a $2.75 million, two-year contract with infielder Brendan Ryan.

The deal, which avoided salary arbitration, was agreed to last month. Ryan gets $1 million this year and $1.75 million in 2011.

He can earn an additional $400,000 in performance bonuses this year based on plate appearances: $50,000 each for 400 and 440, and $75,000 apiece for 480, 520, 560 and 600.

Ryan can earn $750,000 in plate appearance bonuses in 2012: $150,000 for 450, and $200,000 apiece for 500, 550 and 600.

He was acquired by the Mariners last month in a trade with St. Louis. He played in a career-high 139 games last season for the Cardinals, batting .223 with 19 doubles and 36 RBIs. Two years ago, Ryan hit .292 with the Cardinals.

Ryan has spent most of his time at shortstop, but can also play second base. He's likely to play one of those two positions in the Mariners infield.

Three Mariners remain eligible for arbitration: closer David Aardsma, right-hander Brandon League and left-hander Jason Vargas.