The Seattle Mariners have traded catcher Rob Johnson to the San Diego Padres for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Seattle and San Diego made the deal on Tuesday. Johnson had been designated for assignment by the Mariners on Dec. 13 after the Mariners signed designated hitter Jack Cust and needed a spot on the 40-man roster. Johnson was Seattle's opening day starter behind the plate in 2010 but his struggles at the plate eventually led to his demotion to Triple-A Tacoma. The 28-year-old Johnson played in 61 games last season with Seattle, but hit .191. He also struggled with an American League-high nine passed balls in less than a half-season. Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5944238
