"The Yankees are free to inquire on Felix Hernandez, but the Mariners do not figure to move a pitcher who is under contract for four more years — and, ahem, coming off his first American League Cy Young award.

The Red Sox, Yankees and Rays reportedly all pushed for Hernandez at the 2009 non-waiver deadline, when he was 2-1/2 years from free agency.

The Mariners, who balked at trading him then, should be even less interested in moving him now.

True, the M's are in something of a rebuilding mode, and the Yankees are in a near-desperate position after losing free-agent lefty Cliff Lee to the Phillies."