Vandermeer Inks Deal With Canucks by Eric He

July 31, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher George Kottaras (14) returns to the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland A’s announced that they have agreed with catcher George Kottaras on a one-year deal, avoiding arbitration.

Kottaras was acquired in July of last season from the Milwaukee Brewers, and was the backup to Derek Norris for most of the second half.

He hit .201 with seven home runs and 34 RBI in 60 games, and played in all five postseason games against the Tigers.

The A’s now have three remaining arbitration-eligible players: Jerry Blevins, Brandon Moss, and Seth Smith.

On another note, the A’s also announced today that they have extend manager Bob Melvin’s contract through 2016.