Seattle Mariners Trade Rumors

As deadline looms, M's caught up in rumor mill
Comment
July 27
Tacoma News Tribune
 
"Scouts from around the big leagues descended upon the Windy City on Monday, a reminder that the Seattle Mariners and all other teams are in the final days before the July 31 trading deadline. Are there Mariners who are a little nervous right now? "I'm sure there are guys who are wondering in the back of their minds if they might be traded," manager Don Wakamatsu said. "This time of the season, if you go on the Internet or read the papers, you can probably find your name in a rumor." About 20 scouts were in U.S. Cellular Field to watch the Mariners and White Sox, and a quick canvass of the field indicated teams are looking for the usual suspects at the deadline. Bullpen help. Bench help. A"
Reds aiming to save wear and tear on current bullpen with another arm
Comment
July 22
Foxsports.com
 
"The Reds have been aggressive in looking for late-inning bullpen help, sources say. The reason is simple: The team doesn't want its key relievers – Francisco Cordero, Nick Masset and Arthur Rhodes – to grow fatigued over the season's final two months. Another veteran who can handle the eighth inning would lighten the workload on the others. Masset, Cordero and Rhodes (in that order) rank among the top 15 relievers in the majors in appearances. That is the most of any team."
Bedard says he's done for season, M's won't say
Comment
July 22
Tacoma News Tribune
 
"While Erik Bedard thinks he is done for the season, the Seattle Mariners and manager Don Wakamatsu won't say that … yet. The left-hander, acquired from the Baltimore Orioles, before the 2008 seasons for five players, suffered another setback in his recovery from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. Bedard underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests on Monday, but by Wednesday, there was no definitive prognosis. Wakamatsu said that team doctor, Dr. Edward Khalfayan, and Bedard's surgeon, Dr. Lewis Yocum, were still looking at and discussing the results of the MRI. "It's still kind of up in the air," Wakamatsu said. "I know the MRI showed some"
Source: Mets close to Cordero deal
Comment
July 21
ESPN.com
 
"The Mets are close to signing reliever Chad Cordero to a minor league deal, a team source confirmed. The deal is not yet official. Cordero declared himself a free agent when the Seattle Mariners wanted to send him to Triple-A Tacoma. Cordero, 28, had a 6.52 ERA in 9 2/3 innings with the Mariners. He had a combined 113 saves from 2005 to 2007 with the Washington Nationals."
Erik Bedard says he's "probably not" going to pitch this season
Comment
July 21
Seattle Times
 
"The team is keeping tight lips on the results of Erik Bedard's MRI exam. But the fact that he is consulting with both his surgeon, Dr. Lewis Yocum, and the Mariners' medical director, Dr. Edward Khalfayan, is a tipoff that the news can't have been great. In fact, right after the game, as Bedard was about to hurriedly exit the clubhouse, I asked him whether there was any good news from the exam. "No, not really,'' he said. When I asked him what the exam found, he said "You'll have to ask the doctor.'' As he was walking out the door, I asked whether it looks like he's going to pitch at all this season. He replied "Probably not.'' That's when he left. So, there goes another potential "feel"
Russell Branyan says latest back injury not comparable to the one he had last season
Comment
July 20
Seattle Times
 
"Well, at least we can give you good news seekers another "positive" of sorts to come out of this ash pile. Russell Branyan told us after the game that the back injury that sidelined in the fifth inning isn't at all like the one that knocked him out for most of August and September last season and then part of this past April with Cleveland. The biggest difference? "I don't have pain down my leg,'' he said. "Last year, I had some pain down my leg and a lot of tightness and stiffness in my butt. This is really, centrally in my lower back and like a spasm. So, hopefully, we treat it, it responds and it gets better in a day or so.'' Branyan says he didn't actually hurt his back running the"
Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said he was not aware of Josh Lueke's no-contest plea
Comment
July 12
Seattle Times
 
"Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said he was "not aware" beforehand that a Class AA pitcher obtained in the Cliff Lee deal pleaded no contest last year to a charge of false imprisonment with violence against a woman. "I was not aware of that before we acquired him," Armstrong said. "And it is going to be addressed." The Mariners flew the minor-leaguer, Josh Lueke, into Seattle for a hastily arranged meeting Sunday morning with general manager Jack Zduriencik and minor-league director Pedro Grifol. The Mariners have long supported groups who oppose violence against women. Three years ago, when reliever Julio Mateo was accused of beating his wife during a trip to New York, the Mariners"
Bedard's comeback slowed again
Comment
July 12
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
"Erik Bedard's return to the Seattle Mariners rotation has been delayed again, and there remains no firm time table for his comeback. Bedard was scheduled to play catch Saturday, throw a bulllpen today and then perhaps make his first start in nearly a year in Anaheim after the All-Star break. Not so fast. Bedard didn't play catch at all Saturday, but did throw lightly on Sunday. If he feels no discomfort, he could throw a bullpen session in Anaheim after the three-day All-Star break that begins tomorrow. "With the time he's missed, a minor league rehab start might be in order," manager Don Wakamatsu said. "Right now, it's in the hands of the trainers and how Bedard feels." After an"
Yankees don't get Cliff Lee; Mariners trade him to Rangers
Comment
July 9
New York Post
 
"The Yankees and Mariners were on the goal line for a deal that would have sent Cliff Lee to the defending champions, but in mid-afternoon Seattle officials told their Yankees counterparts that they were no longer willing to do a deal that the sides had agreed upon the previous day, The Post has learned. Instead, the Mariners sent the ace and reliever Mark Lowe to Texas for first baseman Justin Smoak and three other minor-leaguers. The Yankees would have sent top prospect Jesus Montero, plus second baseman David Adams and pitcher Zach McAllister to Seattle for one of the best pitchers in the sport."
Yankees-Mariners talks about Lee may be breaking down
Comment
July 9
SI.com
 
"There are discouraging signs regarding the Cliff Lee talks with the Yankees, and it suddenly appears the deal isn't quite the certainty it once seemed. "The Yankees may walk," one source from outside the organization said. The Yankees offered catcher Jesus Montero, infielder David Adams and a third prospect in basically a take-it-or-leave-it scenario. The Mariners haven't accepted the offer quickly, and there is now a bit of pessimism. The Mariners and Yankees are in the midst of a four-game series in Seattle. Lee is scheduled to start tonight's game."
Source: Lee-to-Yanks deal nearly done
Comment
July 9
ESPN.com
 columnist Buster Olney
"A trade that would send Mariners left-hander Cliff Lee to the Yankees was "just about done" on Friday morning, according to an executive involved in the trade talks. The Mariners have been pushing hard to complete the trade, but as of Friday morning there was no agreement in place, sources said, and it was possible another team could have stepped in to make a more aggressive bid. The Mariners had also been talking with the Rays, Twins, Rangers, Reds and other teams, and news that the Yankees were on the verge of getting Lee -- first reported by the New York Post -- could have spurred one of the other teams to strengthen their offer. But all along, the Yankees have believed no other team"
An Oswalt trade hinges on what happens with Cliff Lee
Comment
July 9
Houston Chronicle
 
"Odds are Astros ace Roy Oswalt will get his wish and be traded to a contender come July 31. But for us — and him — to know where the veteran righthander is headed, we first must find out where Cliff Lee will end up. Record aside, Oswalt is having a phenomenal season. He's a proven winner and consummate competitor. That said, he is not the most sought-after pitcher currently on the trading block. That honor belongs to Lee, who besides also having a spectacular season — and the record to show for it — has more appeal to teams than Oswalt because he comes at a much lower monetary cost. And in the end this is what it comes down to — money. Oswalt (5-10, 3.32 ERA) has proved he can manage his"
Yankees on brink of landing Cliff Lee
Comment
July 9
New York Post
 
"The Knicks didn't get LeBron James, but the Yankees were on the brink of obtaining Cliff Lee late last night for a package that would include top prospect Jesus Montero, the Post has learned. Yankees GM Brian Cashman and Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik have been in constant contact over the last week, but it was only last night that the Seattle GM told Yankee officials he wanted to move quickly, possibly before the All-Star break. The Yanks were not assured of obtaining Lee since other clubs such as the Mets, Twins and Rangers were in talks. But the Yanks were definitely making the strongest move last night, coming from seeming disinterest into the clear front-runner and last night it seemed"
Reds in early stages of negotiations for Lee
Comment
July 9
MLB.com
 
"It appears that discussions between the Reds and Mariners about pitcher Cliff Lee have yet to hit the serious stages. A baseball source told MLB.com Thursday that no formal proposals have been exchanged between the two teams. "It's just been the parameters and the types of players that they are looking for or not looking for," the source said. "It's been quiet lately." The first-place Reds are one of several teams in the hunt for the left-handed Lee, an ace-quality starting pitcher, who is earning $8 million this season with Seattle. He would essentially be a "rent-a-player" for Cincinnati since he can become a free agent at season's end. It's been widely reported that the Mariners are"
Rival GM says Rangers in lead for Lee
Comment
July 8
Foxsports.com
 
"One rival general manager believes the Rangers have become the favorite to land Cliff Lee. In order to do that, they will likely need to part with Justin Smoak, currently their everyday first baseman. And sources say the Rangers' reluctance to include Smoak in an offer for Lee is one of the biggest remaining barriers in their talks with the Mariners. Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik is said to covet Smoak, a switch hitter who is well suited for the Mariners' home ballpark. The Rangers' ongoing sale — through a bankruptcy process — is a significant element in the trade dialogue, sources say. Lee has roughly $4 million left on his contract for this season, which is almost certainly"
The Reds also interested in Lee
Comment
July 8
Foxsports.com
 
"One year after the Indians dealt him to the Phillies, the other team in Ohio would like to acquire Cliff Lee. A number of people in the industry say the Cincinnati Reds are motivated to get Lee – and have the prospects to entice the Mariners. Cincinnati has become a "sleeper" team in the Lee sweepstakes, one rival general manager said Wednesday. A separate source said the teams have exchanged names "in preliminary fashion" but have yet to discuss firm proposals. Lee is the most-talked-about commodity on the midseason trade market, and there are several reasons why the Reds could be a fit. … The Mariners need offense, and Cincinnati has two big hitters at Triple-A who could headline an"
Cliff Lee picture still unfocused
Comment
July 8
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins have expressed interest in trading for Mariners lefthander Cliff Lee, but the sides haven't exchanged the names of the players the Twins would send in return, a person familiar with the discussions said Wednesday. For now, the Mariners are busy scouting the Twins' best young players, just as Seattle is doing with other clubs, since there are several teams interested in acquiring Lee before the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline. The Twins are considered one of the favorites to get Lee, and another major league source said the Mariners have been gathering information about Twins catching prospect Wilson Ramos and pitcher Kevin Slowey. It's unclear if the Twins would have to give up"
Rangers, Mariners in discussions on possible deal for Lee
Comment
July 8
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Cliff Lee continues to be a target of the Texas Rangers, who sources confirmed have had discussions with division rival Seattle about acquiring the left-hander in a trade. A baseball source indicated that the Mariners have interest in several prospects and young players who have experience at the big-league level. Seattle has inquired about the availability of, among others, first baseman Chris Davis and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Both of those players are at Triple A Oklahoma City, but have been with the Rangers the past three seasons. Seattle also likes right-hander Tanner Scheppers, also at Triple A, and Double A left-hander Martin Perez. A source, though, indicated that Scheppers"
Rangers, Mariners discussing deal for Lee
Comment
July 8
MLB.com
 
"Trade discussions between the Rangers and the Seattle Mariners appear to be heating up over pitcher Cliff Lee, according to industry sources. There is nothing imminent, there are plenty of other teams still involved and Lee may not get traded until right before the July 31 Trade Deadline. But club officials acknowledge that general manager Jon Daniels has been working hard to find a way to acquire the All-Star left-hander who the Rangers believe could be the one difference-maker in their quest for the American League West title."
Mariners want too much to get Lee
Comment
July 7
Foxsports.com
 
"Executives from two different clubs interested in Cliff Lee say that the Mariners are seeking a mammoth return for the ace left-hander following a report of a substantial offer from the Twins. One of the execs, labeling the Mariners' request a "crazy ask," said the M's proposal was in excess of the Twins' offer, as reported by AOL Fanhouse – Triple A catcher Wilson Ramos and Single A outfielder Aaron Hicks. The Mariners' aggressiveness can be interpreted in one of two ways: They are either close with the Twins and trying to determine if another team will top the Minnesota offer, or they are still trying to drive up the bidding. Both the Twins and Mariners have denied comment on the AOL"
Dodgers talking trade with several teams
Comment
July 7
MLB.com
 
"The Dodgers have had conversations with expected teams as the Trade Deadline approaches, including the Mariners, Astros, Blue Jays, Indians and D-backs, a baseball source said. Those teams fit in with the Dodgers' pursuit of pitching, with Seattle's Cliff Lee, Houston's Roy Oswalt and Arizona's Dan Haren some of the top names on the trade market. "Unless something knocks your socks off or something makes sense, I think pitching is the area probably -- starting and relieving," manager Joe Torre said Tuesday. "Whatever will tighten up what we have now.""
Twins battling at least four teams for Cliff Lee
Comment
July 7
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Every year, it seems, there is a pitcher everyone wants at the trade deadline. This year it's Seattle lefty Cliff Lee, who has the track record and contract to make him a perfect rent-a-player. Lee is making $9 million this season, meaning any team that acquires him will be on the hook for only half that, at most. He'll also be a Type A free agent at season's end, meaning a team that loses him will get an extra first-round selection, plus a sandwich pick, in the 2011 draft. He would look particularly good in the Twins' rotation, which could use another lefty and a No. 1 starter, but general manager Bill Smith has his work cut out for him. The Mets, Reds, Dodgers and Phillies are among"
Now it's time for Rays to be bold in chase for ace
Comment
July 7
Tampa Tribune
 
"The rumor of the Rays' alleged interest in Cliff Lee has been out there for a while now, but on Tuesday it exploded in ways we have never seen around these parts. All it took was a declaration from owner Stu Sternberg that he is willing to increase payroll a lot to keep his club in the race for the World Series. Combine that with the tweet heard 'round the Trop - a notice from Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons via Twitter of "rumblings" the Rays might have something cooking to bring Lee here - and you had instant Internet eruption. Lee-to-the-Rays was everywhere you looked on the 'net, at least in the parts not already occupied by Lindsay Lohan. In times of frenzy it's easy to"
Yanks' interest in Lee hinges on price, Rays emerge as suitors
Comment
July 6
Foxsports.com
 
"The Yankees' interest in trading for Mariners left-hander Cliff Lee is real, but only at a suitable price. Lee, the biggest prize in this year's trade market, is a known target of the Twins, Rangers, Mets and other clubs. The sincerity of the Yankees' interest has been in question, but they are indeed "kicking the tires," according to a source with knowledge of the team's thinking. The source, however, estimates that the Yankees' chances of landing Lee are "less than 50 percent," and says that such a move likely would require the team to spin right-hander Javier Vazquez to another club. Vazquez, like Lee, is a free agent at the end of the season. The difference is that the Yankees want to"
Phillies could trade Werth, or become buyers
Comment
July 6
Foxsports.com
 
"Few imagined that the Phillies would be willing to trade one of their most productive players before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. But the Phils' seven-game homestand before the All-Star break could determine the course of their season — and the future of right fielder Jayson Werth. The Phillies, five games back in the N.L. East, will face two first-place clubs — the Braves and the Reds. Right-hander Roy Halladay and lefty Cole Hamels will pitch four of the seven games, beginning with Halladay's start Monday night against Braves righty Derek Lowe. For now, the Phillies remain buyers. Sources say they have inquired on the Orioles' Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada, among others, following"
Source: Lee trade talks get 'interesting' with Twins
Comment
July 6
SI.com
 
"There are discussions regarding Cliff Lee between the Mariners and Twins that according to one person familiar with the talks are "interesting" and "have possibilities." As of yet there is no confirmation of an agreement. A second source said the Mariners were looking for catching prospect Wilson Ramos in a package. Seattle wants a big-league ready catcher. And Ramos is blocked in Minnesota by All-Star Joe Mauer."
Mariners' trade talks heating up with Twins?
Comment
July 6
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
"The Minnesota Twins, long considered one of the leading candidates to acquire Cliff Lee, have reportedly now offered the Mariners two top prospects for the All-Star pitcher. Jeff Fletcher of AOL Fanhouse reported on his Twitter account Monday night that the Twins are willing to give up outfielder Aaron Hicks as well as top catching prospect Wilson Ramos for Lee. Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated also reported Monday night that the Twins and Mariners were involved in "interesting" talks that "have possibilities," while mentioning Ramos as part of the package. That comes as no surprise, given Ramos' name has been bandied about as part of a potential deal for several weeks now. But Hicks is"
Report: Twins offer two prospects for Lee
Comment
July 6
MLB.com
 
"AOL Fanhouse's Jeff Fletcher reported Monday that the Twins have offered prospects Aaron Hicks and Wilson Ramos for Cliff Lee, who has a 2.34 ERA and boasts a strikeout-to-walk-ratio of almost 15-to-1. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik declined comment. Seattle acquired Lee in the offseason hoping he would be a key piece in the push for the American League West title, but things haven't panned out as the club had envisioned. Lee has been spectacular, but the Mariners sat 14 games behind division leaders Texas entering Monday's game against the Royals."
Reds Have Interest In Lee
Comment
July 5
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Reds have talked to Seattle Mariners about left-hander Cliff Lee. The talks happened when the Reds were in Seattle a couple of weeks ago. Tampering rules prevent general manager Walt Jocketty on commenting on a player from another team. But in general terms, it sounds like Lee would be the type of player that Reds would target. "I will say this: We're looking at anyway we can to improve the club," Jocketty said. "To improve the club, it would have to be a pretty significant player to do that. We have a lot of good things going. We don't want to disrupt that." Seattle wants an impact bat for Lee. Former top pick Yonder Alonso fits that bill. Despite Alonso struggles this year – he's"
Yankees, Dodgers, Cardinals scouting Lee
Comment
July 5
Foxsports.com
 
"The Yankees, Dodgers and Cardinals were among the clubs with a scout in attendance at Cliff Lee's start in Detroit on Sunday afternoon. It marked the second straight start by Lee that the Yankees scouted. Rival clubs believe the Yankees are pursuing Lee ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, although it's possible the Yankees are scouting Lee in preparation for his upcoming free agency. The Mariners are widely expected to trade Lee this month."
Prospecting another Cliff Lee trade
Comment
July 4
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Cliff Lee isn't on the trading block yet, but judging from all of the Internet chatter, he might as well be. A month from today - and likely sooner - Lee will pack his bags as a traded commodity for the fourth time in two years and become perhaps the key pennant-race pickup for a contender. The Mets, Reds, Yankees, Dodgers - even the Phillies, where Lee was traded last year - seem to be the likely bidders in the Lee sweepstakes. Hard to believe that the Phillies could have both Lee and Roy Halladay in their rotation. And with their injury situation right now, that still might not be enough to make the playoffs over the resilient Atlanta Braves. The Phillies also need a second baseman to"
Source says Minnesota Twins leading race to acquire pitcher Cliff Lee
Comment
July 4
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Charley Walters
"One high-ranking major league official outside the Twins organization says he hears the Twins are the front-runner for Seattle pitcher Cliff Lee. Considering the windfall revenue the Twins are pulling in from their new Target Field, affording Lee (about $4.5 million for the rest of the season as a rental player) isn't a problem. Providing Seattle with the right prospects for a trade is. The Twins love pitchers who throw strikes. Lee's strikeout-to-walk ratio has been startling — he has walked just five batters in 96 innings while whiffing 78. Lee's control makes his 91-mph fastball seem like it's 94 mph. The Mariners want a package of primarily hitting prospects in exchange for Lee. The"
Cliff Lee keeps an eye on the Phillies
Comment
July 4
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Cliff Lee walked into the visiting clubhouse at Yankee Stadium Thursday morning, stopped at the corner locker with his name and No. 36 above it, and craned his neck to see one of the four HDTVs hanging in the middle of the room. At that instant, ESPN replayed the ill-fated, headfirst slide in Cincinnati that sent Phillies second baseman Chase Utley to the disabled list. Ninety minutes later, after some breakfast and a bullpen throwing session, Lee admitted that he still keeps an eye on the Phillies. "I text with [Jayson] Werth a little bit back and forth just to keep in touch," Lee said, two days after registering another win against the New York Yankees, the team he beat twice for the"
Let the bidding for Lee begin
Comment
July 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cliff Lee sweepstakes is heating up, with the Reds and possibly even Yankees joining the Twins at the forefront. A.J. Burnett's problems have forced GM Brian Cashman to reconsider waiting for free agency to take his shot at Lee. A team trading for the Mariners starter in the next couple of weeks would owe him only about $4.5 million, which puts him on the radar for even a mid-payroll team such as the Reds. The Twins' Carl Pavano, who played with Lee on the Indians, is pushing hard for GM Bill Smith to pull the trigger on a trade. There has been so much talk about Lee in Minnesota that the Twins could suffer a letdown if they don't get him."
Bedard will face Royals
Comment
July 3
Tacoma News Tribune
 
"Manager Don Wakamatsu talked with Erik Bedard and Tacoma Rainiers manager Daren Brown on Friday morning, and he determined that everything is on schedule for Bedard to make his first start for the Mariners this season on Tuesday at Safeco Field against the Kansas City Royals. Bedard threw 81 pitches over 4 innings, allowing one run on three hits with three walks and three strikeouts Thursday at Cheney Stadium in his final rehab start with the Rainiers. It was the last step in his recovery from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder. That's a lot of pitches in a short outing, but Wakamatsu liked what he has heard. "I talked to Daren Brown and he said (Bedard)"
Jerry Manuel covets ace pitcher over reliever as Cliff Lee remains top commodity
Comment
July 3
New York Daily News
 
"Jerry Manuel's priorities are clear in advance of the July 31 trade deadline: If forced to choose between an ace starter and a setup man, the Mets manager would take the ace. "If it's a top, top starter, yeah, I would have to go with a starter," Manuel said. "I will worry about those tie games on the road later." After Thursday's loss to the Nationals, Manuel suggested that he needed an eighth-inning setup man. Bobby Parnell has pitched well since being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo, and has become a potential contributor in that role. "He will get an opportunity to pitch that eighth, if the matchups are in favor of him," Manuel said."
Sources: Phillies interested in Lee
Comment
July 3
Foxsports.com
 
"The Phillies' obsession with Cliff Lee continues. The two-time defending National League champions again are interested in acquiring Lee, according to major-league sources. The more immediate need for the Phillies is an infielder; second baseman Chase Utley will be out eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right-thumb ligament, and third baseman Placido Polanco will be out three to four weeks with triceps tendinitis in his right arm. The Phils, rather than continue with Wilson Valdez at second and Greg Dobbs at third, are expected to move quickly to acquire help, targeting the Orioles' Miguel Tejada and Ty Wigginton, among others, sources say. Tejada currently is playing"
A comeback moves forward. Is Bedard back?
Comment
July 2
Tacoma News Tribune
 
"Erik Bedard got 81 pitches closer to the Seattle Mariners' rotation Thursday by working 4 innings for the Taccoma Rainiers - allowing one unearned run in what became a 2-1 Tacoma victory over the Portland Beavers. "They wanted me to work on the change-up, so I threw a lot of them tonight," Bedard said. "I don't know if it's official yet, but I think I'm pitching Tuesday in Safeco Field." Projected to re-enter the Seattle rotation on Tuesday against Kansas City, Bedard was sharp early, then looked like a man who hadn't faced live hitters - except in Arizona's rookie league - since last July. He worked a spectacularly economical first inning by setting down the Beavers in order on 10"
Seattle isn't sure if Cliff Lee will hit trading block, Oliver Perez could find home in Mets bullpen
Comment
July 2
New York Daily News
 
"Despite the high volume of recent speculation surrounding Seattle pitcher Cliff Lee, a major league source with knowledge of the Mariners' thinking said Wednesday that the team has not yet made its ace available. "It is the same thing with (Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik) as it has been all along," the source said. "He knows to contact teams when he's ready to deal. He hasn't done that yet, but that could change any minute." According to people familiar with the Mets' thinking, Lee remains the team's top choice of all potentially available starters. Therefore, the Mets' pursuit of pitching help will accelerate along with the lefty's availability. Despite losses by R.A. Dickey and Hisanori"
Six teams after Cliff Lee
Comment
July 1
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Seattle Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee had a phenomenal postseason run with the Philadelphia Phillies last year and there are more than a few teams that are hoping he can do the same for them this year. Unfortunately, for the M's, it's not looking like they are on that list with a 33-44 record that puts them dead last in the American League West, 14 games back. Since Lee's contract ends when the season does this year, he is very likely to be traded. The Phillies, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Texas Rangers scouted him when he pitched against the Yanks the other night, according to FOXSports, while two other reported suitors, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins, were absent that"
Lee trade just matter of time
Comment
July 1
CBSSports.com
 
"So far, it looks like Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik is taking calls about Cliff Lee, but he's not making any. It's widely assumed that the Mariners will deal Lee, the best starting pitcher expected to be available at the trade deadline. Technically, however, Lee doesn't appear to be on the market yet. The Mariners' recent run of good play, then their surprising trade for offensive boost Russell Branyan on Sunday had people wondering: Do the Mariners still think they have a shot this year? And if so, might they keep Lee? The answer to both of those questions is almost certainly no."
Zduriencik feels no pressure to make move
Comment
July 1
MLB.com
 
"The last thing Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik wants to do is to be pressured into making a trade. "Right now, we want to win baseball games, that is our focus," he said on Wednesday. "We owe it to these [players] here. I think they are feeling good about each other, winning eight of their last 11 games. "We have five tough games coming up on the road and then we'll see what happens." The trade rumors concerning left-hander Cliff Lee appeared to calm down a little the day after he pitched a complete-game victory over the Yankees. At least it was nothing like Tuesday, when a horde of media surrounded the Mariners' GM to pepper him with Lee questions. "I think it's just good copy,""
Bedard's journey to M's moves to Tacoma tonight, final rehab game on Thursday
Comment
July 1
Tacoma News Tribune
 
"When Erik Bedard takes the mound at Cheney Stadium tonight, he will, like most of his Tacoma Rainiers teammates, hope that his performance leads him on to the Seattle Mariners. The difference for Bedard is that he doesn't have to be perfect tonight – or even very good. All he needs do is throw between 75-80 pitches and feel healthy afterward. "We're looking to stretch him out to around 80 pitches, so he could get to 95-100 in a start with us next week," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said. "The rest – velocity, command – is important, but not as much as his coming out of this with no physical problems. "The key is probably how he feels Friday. If he tells us he's good, we're good.""
It's a buyer's market out there
Comment
June 30
MLB.com
 columnist Peter Gammons
"Cliff Lee might mean the division, if not the pennant, to the Twins or the Cardinals, the Reds, the Mets or Tigers or Dodgers. But before you start to thinking about the Mariners getting the equivalent of what the Indians stole from the Expos (Lee, Grady Sizemore, Brandon Phillips) for Bartolo Colon, consider what Lee brought the Indians and Phillies. After he won the Cy Young Award. And had a favorable contract. The Indians traded Lee to the then-reigning World Series champion Phillies for Jason Donald, Lou Marson, Carlos Carrasco and Jason Knapp. Donald has done a creditable job as a utility infielder, hitting .254, with promise. Catcher Lou Marson has been a disappointment, hitting"
Yankees admire Cliff Lee, but can't say how much they'd like to have him as a teammate
Comment
June 30
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"It would be tampering, obviously, if anyone in Yankees management were to come right out and say just how much the Bronx Bombers would love to have Seattle Mariners lefthander Cliff Lee join their starting rotation. But they don't mind saying how much they admire him. "He seems to like to pitch here,'' Nick Swisher said, after Lee and the Mariners beat the Yanks, 7-4 Tuesday night . Swisher was no doubt making reference to how Lee silenced the Yankees' offense in Game 1 of the World Series, a 6-1 win for the Phillies. "He never beats himself,'' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Lee. "He never walks people. He has the ability to strike you out, and he locates extremely well. And he knows"
Lee's mind on Mariners, not trade market
Comment
June 30
MLB.com
 
"The status of Mariners left-hander Cliff Lee's future with the team remained unchanged on Tuesday, and general manager Jack Zduriencik refused to stoke the fire one way or the other. "I don't have much to say," Zduriencik said when asked if there was anything new on what has become the "Lee Watch" around the Major Leagues. "There is a lot of speculation, but I don't want to comment on that at all. "We're here to play baseball the best we can. We are just trying to win baseball games, improve our record and see what happens." Lee's stock continued to rise on Tuesday night, when he beat the Yankees, 7-4, before 45,780 at Yankee Stadium. Lee's seventh win of the season -- and third straight"
Lots of questions, no answers about Lee
Comment
June 30
Tacoma News Tribune
 
"There was a buzz in Yankee Stadium concerning Cliff Lee before the game Tuesday. But it wasn't so much about his scheduled start for the Seattle Mariners. No, it was whether would be making any further starts for the Mariners before his inevitable trade. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik was engulfed by the media before the game in the hope he would have a hint about Lee's status. But as always, Zduriencik was tight-lipped about the situation. Starting with a cliché, Zduriencik said, "I don't have much to say. We are just trying to win baseball games, improve this record and see what happens. … There is a lot of speculation, but I don't want to comment on that at all. We're here"
Mets and Bombers should go after Lee
Comment
June 30
New York Post
 columnist Joel Sherman
"When Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik obtained Cliff Lee in the offseason, he imagined turning his 85-win 2009 team into a championship contender. So imagine Zduriencik's pain in the next few weeks when he is compelled to trade Lee from his last-place disappointment. If an interested team is not prepared to endure equal pain, then it will not get the ace. Translation: You are not getting Lee for Fernando Martinez and Josh Thole. That would be painless for the Mets. I don't know if an injuryprone outfield prospect (Martinez) and a fringe catching prospect (Thole) are worth as much as the two first-round compensation picks an acquiring team would receive if it lost Lee to free agency after the"
Waiting for Lee, Maybe Until the Winter
Comment
June 30
New York Times
 
"Cliff Lee had a free night in New York on Monday, and he spent it having dinner with C. C. Sabathia. They are former teammates, and probably future teammates, too. "We didn't really talk about what's coming up or anything like that," Sabathia said before Lee stifled the Yankees, 7-4, on Tuesday. "He's just trying to focus on his season. But I would love to see him over here." For the moment, Lee still pitches for the Seattle Mariners, who arrived at Yankee Stadium 15 games behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the American League West. Hopeful of contending this season, the Mariners quickly fizzled, and they have let Lee know they will shop him before the July 31 nonwaiver trading"