Originally published December 18, 2006 at 12:00 AM | Page modified December 18, 2006 at 6:33 PM

It's a done deal: M's acquire Vidro

The acquisition of Jose Vidro from the Washington Nationals, which was reported last week, was consummated today when Vidro passed his physical examination.

By Larry Stone

Seattle Times staff reporter

The Mariners officially have a new designated hitter.

The acquisition of Jose Vidro from the Washington Nationals, which was reported last week, was consummated today when Vidro passed his physical examination.

To acquire the 32-year-old Vidro, a career .301 hitter, the Mariners sent outfielder Chris Snelling and reliever Emiliano Fruto to the Nationals. Though Vidro, a switch-hitter, has played second base throughout his career, the Mariners envision him as their primary DH.

"Jose is a professional hitter," said Bill Bavasi, the Mariners' executive vice president and general manager. "We feel we can add him to our batting order anywhere from the second to the sixth spot and he will add production to our lineup. With the addition of Vidro and Jose Guillen to our returning players, I think we are a much stronger offensive team."

Vidro was limited by injuries the past two seasons. Last season, he hit .289 with seven home runs and 47 runs batted in. In 2005, playing just 87 games, he hit .275 with seven home runs and 32 RBI.

"I'm excited to add his bat to our lineup," Mariners manager Mike Hargrove said. "One of the problems we had last season was that we didn't keep enough innings going. Adding a hitter like Jose, who makes contact and hits with runners on base, will help our offense."

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