Mets Sign Johnson To Compete For Catching Role

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — The New York Mets have agreed to a minor league contract with catcher Rob Johnson and invited him to spring training.

The Mets announced the move Thursday.

The 28-year-old Johnson batted .190 (34 for 179) with six doubles, one triple, a career-high three homers and 16 RBIs in 67 games for the San Diego Padres last season.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Johnson has hit .197 (128 for 649) with 35 doubles, eight home runs and 58 RBIs in 228 games over five big league seasons with Seattle and the Padres.

Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas are expected to begin the season as the Mets' catchers.  Thole is expected to catch the majority of games in 2012.  In 2011, Thole batted .268 with 3 home runs and 40 RBIs through 114 games.

Nickeas will be 29 when the 2012 season begins.  He has appeared in 26 major league games, batting .190 with one home run and 6 RBIs in 53 career at-bats.

Can Johnson push for a backup catching role?  Or does Nickeas have the edge?  Share your thoughts below...

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