Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Mariners claim pitcher Yusmeiro Petit from Arizona

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November 5

Seattle Times

"According to numerous outlets, right-handed pitcher Yusmeiro Petit has been claimed off waivers by the Mariners. Not an earth-shattering move, but just another piece of pitching inventory being stockpiled by Jack Zduriencik. As the Arizona Republic story points out, Petit has allowed 1.96 home runs per nine innings, tied for the worst rate in major league history. Maybe Safeco Field will help with his longball problem. Or not. Lookout Landing and USS Mariner both weighed in on Petit, concluding, essentially, that it was a gamble worth taking, but don't expect too much. Here are his stats, and here he is in action. Here's his yearbook photo. OK, it's not really his yearbook photo. Petit ..."

Report: Tigers' Jarrod Washburn would like to return to Mariners

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November 4

Detroit News

"Free-agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn, not likely to re-sign with the Tigers, says a return to the Seattle Mariners would be among his top choices. "Seattle definitely is toward the top of my list," Washburn told MLB.com. "I'll just have to see what happens when the free-agent season begins.""

Tigers' free-agent Washburn eyes return to Seattle

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November 4

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers this summer made an investment in pitcher Jarrod Washburn that didn't pay off. Now the lefty could be returning to the team that sent him to Detroit, the Seattle Mariners. Washburn, a free agent, told the Mariners' Web site that Seattle is among the teams at the top of his list. Washburn, 35, went 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 20 starts for Seattle before being dealt to Detroit for rookie left-hander Luke French. Washburn was AL pitcher of the month in July with Seattle. But soon after the Tigers acquired him at the July 31 trading deadline, a knee injury prevented him from pitching effectively."

Mariners jump into race to sign Cuba's Aroldis Chapman

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October 29

Seattle Times

"The Mariners are jumping into the race to sign Aroldis Chapman, the left-handed pitching phenom from Cuba. The club has asked to meet with the 21-year-old Chapman and his agent, Edwin Mejia, in the coming week, according to a source. There are no details yet on a date or location of a potential meeting by Chapman with Seattle officials, but the source described the Mariners' interest as "serious." Chapman is being pursued by numerous teams, the Yankees and Red Sox most fervently, according to reports. Chapman had been scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday at Fenway Park in Boston, but it was canceled because of the weather. The Tigers, Cardinals, Mets and Orioles also are linked ..."

Mariners C Johjima opts out of contract, returns to Japan

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October 19

Tacoma News Tribune

"The Seattle Mariners announced on Monday that catcher Kenji Johjima has decided to opt out of the last two years of his contract and return to play in Japan. The 33-year-old Johjima agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Mariners in April of 2008. Prior to coming to Seattle, Johjima was a seven- time Gold Glove winner, and a six-time postseason All-Star in Japan. He amassed a career .299 average with 211 home runs and 699 RBI in 11 seasons with Japan's Pacific League Fukuoka Soft Bank Hawks. He was a member of three Pacific League Championship teams (1999, 2000, 2003), and won Japan League titles in 1999 and 2003. "After lots of very deep thought and deliberation, I have ..."

Mariners, GM Jack Zduriencik, face challenging offseason

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October 6

Seattle Times

"Jack Zduriencik correctly calls 2009 "a year of redirection" for the Mariners. But after all the hugs and pies and victory laps of Sunday, the big question is: Which direction do the M's head now? So many questions. So many mysteries. So many possibilities. The players are heading home to their various cities, countries and continents. Now it's Zduriencik's time. The offseason began Monday with a staff meeting to plot the future. How well Zduriencik navigates the awesome challenges of the winter of '09/10 will dictate whether this year is a breakthrough or a blip. It was Zduriencik's predecessor, Bill Bavasi, who once made the cogent point that taking a team from bad to respectable is ..."

Griffey finishes as a singular sensation

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October 5

MLB.com

"When he stepped into the batter's box for the final time this season, in the eighth inning on Sunday afternoon, the emotions were running rampant inside Ken Griffey Jr. "It was probably the most nervous and emotional roller coaster I have ever been on as a ballplayer," he said. "You never know when it will be your last." At the end of the day, after all the standing ovations, the curtain call, and the ride off Safeco Field on the shoulders of Mariners teammates Ryan Langerhans and Matt Tuiasosopo following Seattle's season-ending 4-3 victory over the Rangers, Griffey was not sure about his baseball future. His eyes were red as he spoke to the media. "I am going to go back to Florida, talk ..."

Mariners have a tough decision to make with Jack Wilson

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October 3

Seattle Times

"Two months ago, Jack Wilson arrived in Seattle brimming with excitement. His upbeat mood was only uplifted when he literally walked into Safeco Field as Ken Griffey Jr. was hitting a game-winning double in the seventh inning to beat Toronto. It seemed a match made in baseball heaven, and Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik reflected the Mariners' optimism in a news release announcing the trade with Pittsburgh that brought Wilson and Ian Snell. "This was an opportunity for us to acquire a veteran shortstop, a former All-Star player, with leadership qualities and above-average defensive skills," Zduriencik said. "As we move forward over the next few years it is nice to know that we have ..."

Chad Cordero trying to pitch his way back to big leagues

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August 28

Seattle Times

columnist Steve Kelley

"The sun still washes the deep green outfield. The crack of the bat sounds like static electricity in the late afternoon breeze. Music, as eclectic as the players on the field, plays on the public address system. Players lope in the outfield, shagging flies, a scene as eternal as the game itself. In right field in this stadium in one of baseball's backwaters, Chad Cordero, a former All-Star closer, does his part, picking up baseballs and lobbing them to a collection area in short center field. This is a ritual Cordero has repeated thousands of afternoons in more than a hundred ballparks. This is part of his summer, part of his life. "This is awesome," Cordero said, sitting on a metal bench ..."

Erik Bedard likely out for season

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August 8

Seattle Times

"There's no definitive word on the status of Erik Bedard's shoulder after his MRI today, but what doctors are seeing is ominous enough that general manager Jack Zduriencik said "it's probably a longshot" that Bedard will pitch again for the Mariners this year. Of course, that means he very well might have thrown his last pitch for them, period, with his contract expiring after the season and free agency looming. In fact, Zduriencik said that surgery is "possible" for Bedard, which would obviously end his season and quite likely his Mariners tenure. "I think it's good news in the fact it's not serious, but bad news in the fact we're probably not going to have him," Zduriencik said. "To me, I ..."

Still-sore Bedard may be done for '09

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August 6

Tacoma News Tribune

"Erik Bedard's injury-marred career with the Seattle Mariners might end without him taking the mound again this season, with the veteran lefty's ailing left shoulder shutting him down once again. Bedard won't throw again before undergoing an MRI exam in Seattle on Friday, which will be compared to an earlier MRI of the shoulder. "Erik's frustrated - we all are," manager Don Wakamatsu said. "He wants to come back, we want him back, but the No. 1 thing is, we want to get to the bottom of this. "Right now, he's back to square one." That means Bedard - who was placed on the disabled list in June, then came off for four starts and returned to it last month - is feeling discomfort in the ..."

Sources: Washburn traded to Tigers

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July 31

ESPN.com

"The Seattle Mariners have traded left-handed pitcher Jarrod Washburn to the Detroit Tigers for rookie left-hander Luke French and pitching prospect Mauricio Robles, sources tell ESPN. The Yankees, who have considering an upgrade to their rotation, and Mariners also had spoken briefly about a proposal involving Washburn on Thursday afternoon, a source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. Washburn (8-6) has a 2.64 ERA this season and had won four consecutive starts before taking a no-decision Tuesday against Toronto. In that stretch, the veteran allowed only three earned runs in 36 2/3 innings."

Trade deadline looms as Mariners fall 8 games out of first in AL West

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July 31

Seattle Times

"Another lost night for the Mariners ended with players packing up and not knowing whether they'd see each other again in 24 hours. A five-homer night by the Texas Rangers ensured that the Mariners will hit this afternoon's trade deadline eight games out of first place in the American League West and 6 ½ back in the wild-card hunt. And now, his team fresh off a 7-1 thrashing Thursday night, general manager Jack Zduriencik will have to decide whether to part with pitcher Jarrod Washburn and others. Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said he'll be glad when the whole thing is behind his club. "You don't want to lose guys, but it's reality," Wakamatsu said after his team was routed in front of ..."

Roy Halladay sweepstakes going down to wire

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July 31

New York Daily News

"Although he has been the main focus of the baseball world for the past few weeks, Roy Halladay is likely to remain a Blue Jay when the trade deadline arrives at 4p.m. Friday. Barring a last-minute surprise, Toronto appears unlikely to deal the former American League Cy Young winner, as the price set by general manager J.P. Ricciardi has been deemed too high by other teams. According to a source, talks continued yesterday between the Yankees and Mariners, as GM Brian Cashman is looking to bring veteran lefthander Jarrod Washburn to the Bronx for the stretch run. Seattle has been asking for a premium price to part with Washburn, but with the southpaw's contract set to expire at the end of ..."

Yanks not alone in pursuit of Washburn

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July 31

Foxsports.com

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"The Yankees are not the only team pursuing Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn. The Tigers also are interested in Washburn, a major-league source says, and the Brewers could jump back in. Yet, the Mariners still are not sending clear signs that they are willing to move Washburn, who ranks third in the American League with a 2.64 ERA, just ahead of Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. "The Mariners don't want to send the wrong signs if they trade him," one source says. "It could look like they're giving up." The M's, six games out in the wild-card race and 7 1/2 games out in the AL West, acquired shortstop Jack Wilson and right-hander Ian Snell from the Pirates on Wednesday. They likely would seek ..."

Yankees look like best shot for Washburn

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July 30

SI.com

"The Yankees haven't heard back from the Mariners since Seattle requested either Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes in an initial conversation about lefty starter Jarrod Washburn, but remain interested at some price. Mariners people are believed to be scouring the list of desirable Yankees players back in Seattle. Top outfield prospect Austin Jackson and catching prospects Jesus Montero and Austin Romine would probably also be off-limits in such a deal, but the Yankees have some other prospects that may interest Seattle. While Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said on Wednesday that both sides are "open to it" in regard to the consideration for an extension for Washburn in coming months, a trade ..."

Rangers long shots for Halladay, Washburn

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Rangers remain interested in Roy Halladay and Jarrod Washburn but regard them as long shots, one major-league source with knowledge of their plans said this afternoon. The source added that Texas isn't involved in talks about relievers Heath Bell, George Sherrill or Matt Capps."

The Yanks and Washburn

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July 30

New York Post

"Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik sounds like an executive stuck in the middle. His brain tells him that his club is just not good enough to make the playoffs this year while his heart keeps creating scenarios in which somehow they sneak in. Hey Adrian Beltre is due off the DL on Tuesday and Erik Bedard the week after that, and now the Mariners have the sure-handed Jack Wilson at shortstop. So maybe, just maybe Seattle could make up either the 7 1-2 games it is out in the West or the 5 1-2 in the wild card. But when I noted to Zduriencik that his club is minus-43 this year in run differential and no club has ever made the playoffs with a mark that bad (the worst was minus-42 by the 2005 Padres), ..."

Marlins and Rays in on Bell, Brewers out of Washburn talks

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July 30

Newsday

columnist Kevin Davidoff

"Just spoke to an official from an NL club who talked about "buyers turning into sellers, and sellers into buyers" over the last 48 hours. The Marlins definitely fall into the latter category; they are reportedly working hard to acquire Heath Bell. The Rays might, as well. The Mariners? It's still unclear precisely what they are. I spoke with an official who knows Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik well, and this official predicted, based on the trade that sent Ian Snell and Jack Wilson to the AL West, that the Mariners would hold onto Jarrod Washburn and keep going for a playoff spot. The Brewers are no longer in on Washburn."

Yankees awfully quiet as deadline approaching

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"Could things really be this quiet around the New York Yankees at the trade deadline? One major-league source said there is "nothing going on" with the Yankees at the moment. Talks with the Mariners about left-hander Jarrod Washburn haven't heated up yet, largely due to the fact that it's not clear what Seattle's asking price is."

Reds get Balentien from Mariners

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July 29

Foxsports.com

"The Reds have acquired outfielder Wladimir Balentien from the Mariners for right-hander Robert Manuel in a minor deal. Balentien was on Seattle's big-league roster until Saturday, when his contract was designated for assignment in order to make room for rookie outfielder Michael Saunders."

Pirates land package for Wilson, Snell

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July 29

MLB.com

"Shortstop Jack Wilson, one of the staples of this season's trade market, was dealt by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday as part of a seven-player deal. Going to the Mariners along with Wilson is right-hander Ian Snell. The rebuilding Bucs received a five-player package from Seattle, headlined by top catching/first base prospect Jeff Clement. Also going to Pittsburgh are shortstop Ronny Cedeno and a trio of right-handed pitchers -- Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock. Wilson, 31, a 2004 All-Star, batted .267 in 75 games with the Pirates. Snell had struggled in 15 starts (2-8, 5.36) with the big-league club but has been lights out since being demoted to ..."

Yankees making a strong push for Jarrod Washburn

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July 29

Yahoo! Sports

"With Chien-Ming Wang needing shoulder surgery and lost for the season, the Yankees are making a strong push for Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn, according to one rival executive. What the Yankees want, they usually get, which could be bad news for the Phillies, Brewers, Rangers and Twins, all of whom had scouts watching his sharp performance Tuesday night."

Pirates trade Jack Wilson and Ian Snell to Mariners for 5 players

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July 29

Foxsports.com

"The Pirates just announced that they have acquired first baseman Jeff Clement, shortstop Ronny Cedeno and right-handed pitchers Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock from the Mariners for shortstop Jack Wilson and right-handed pitcher Ian Snell."

Slumping Brewers not pursuing Washburn

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July 29

Foxsports.com

"The Brewers, thought to be one of the favorites for Jarrod Washburn, are not seriously engaged in discussions for the Mariners' veteran left-hander. The reasons: The Brewers do not want to give up good prospects for two months of Washburn at a time when they have lost 16 of their last 23 games. Washburn, a likely Type B free agent, would bring only one draft pick in return if the Brewers (or any other club he was with) failed to re-sign him. The Mariners, according to one general manager who has spoken with them, are seeking to make a bigger deal with Washburn. That might be the reason they pulled catcher/designated hitter Jeff Clement from his Class AAA game and informed him that he was ..."

Yankees brass mulls pitch for Seattle hurler Jarrod Washburn

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July 29

New York Daily News

"Although Roy Halladay remains a long shot to be wearing pinstripes by the trade deadline and the asking price for Cliff Lee remains sky-high, the Yankees could be making a move for Jarrod Washburn to bolster their rotation. The 34-year-old lefthander is one of the latest names to enter the trade-deadline rumor mill, as Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik has started contacting teams around the league to field offers for several players, according to a source. Seattle had been on the fringe of the American League West race until a four-game losing streak this week dropped them 7-1/2 games behind the first-place Angels and the wild card-leading Red Sox, entering Tuesday night's action."

Mariners set to shop pitchers?

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July 28

Foxsports.com

"Facing a 7½-game deficit in the American League West, the Mariners are shifting into "sell" mode — if they aren't there already. Left-hander starter Jarrod Washburn is available, and general manager Jack Zduriencik would probably consider offers on Sean White and Mark Lowe, who have been surprisingly good in setup roles. "They're about ready to do some things," an official of one contender said. One baseball man wondered if the Mariners would make former first-rounder Brandon Morrow available in trade talks. But it's doubtful that Zduriencik would sell low on Morrow, who has walked seven hitters between two unsuccessful Class AAA starts."

Washburn readies change-of-address forms

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July 28

Tacoma News Tribune

"Jarrod Washburn's wife, Kerrie, made him cook lunch for the family Monday afternoon - in part because she's heard the rumors. "She made me cook fish because, she said, I may not be around to cook fish later this week," Washburn said, standing in front of his Seattle Mariners locker. "My dad called this morning and said 'I heard you've been traded to the Milwaukee Brewers ...' "I told him, 'Don't you remember this time, last year?'" A year ago, Washburn was all but dealt to the Minnesota Twins, only to have team president Chuck Armstrong veto the deal. Now, a reborn Washburn - with a retooled arsenal of pitches - is the topic of trade rumors again. In the last few days, he's been said to ..."

Red Sox up against a deadline

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July 28

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox are spending the final days leading up to Friday's trading deadline tracking many trade possibilities - big and small. San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Cleveland Indians catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez, Indians left-hander Cliff Lee and Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay remain at the top of the list of players to watch. The Sox have negotiated with each of those teams enough by now to know what it would take to get a deal done, but the price tags remain too high. Shoring up the starting rotation is still a goal, but with the team unwilling to part with an important prospect for someone like lefty Jarrod Washburn (Seattle Mariners) or ex-Sox righty Bronson ..."

Brewers cautious about dealing SS prospect for Washburn

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July 27

Foxsports.com

"Few know the Brewers' farm system better than Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik, who drafted and signed many of Milwaukee's top young players in his previous job as the team's scouting director. Zduriencik surely would love to obtain shortstop Alcides Escobar in a trade for lefty Jarrod Washburn, and it's reasonable to think that he might even include righty Brandon Morrow to pull off such a deal. The Brewers, though, likely would be reluctant to trade Escobar for two months of Washburn, a potential free agent, and the uncertain future of Morrow, who is back at Class AAA trying to re-establish himself as a starter. Brewers shortstop J.J. Hardy is a free agent after next season, and ..."

Yankees eyeing Washburn and long shot Halladay

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July 27

SI.com

"Knowing their chances remain slim for superstar pitcher Roy Halladay and even slimmer for star pitcher Cliff Lee, the Yankees called the pitching-strong Mariners on Saturday to inquire about their status as buyer or seller. The Yankees need a starting pitcher, and Jarrod Washburn is a pitcher they've liked for years. But while GM Jack Zduriencik over the weekend informed the Yankees, Dodgers and other teams interested in their players that they weren't yet ready to sell, there's a sense around baseball Seattle still might make a deadline switch. Ownership historically hasn't been anxious to sell, but realistically, they don't have enough offense to compete with the Angels or Rangers. Erik ..."

Mariners a bubble team

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July 26

Yahoo! Sports

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"One scout said Saturday that the best thing that could happen to the Seattle Mariners is for them to lose five or six games in a row, because while they're hanging around in wild-card contention, "They're playing over their heads and should be thinking about trading [Jarrod] Washburn, [Miguel] Batista and [Erik] Bedard." Of all the bubble teams, the Mariners might be the most interesting because they have attractive trade pieces, but also because they are winning often enough to bring back some of the fans lost in the Bill Bavasi era. They have a first-year GM – Jack Zduriencik – who probably doesn't want to go white flag four months into his first season. Bedard looks like he's staggering ..."

Bedard's not going anywhere

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July 26

Tacoma News Tribune

"It took the Seattle Mariners months to acquire starting pitcher Erik Bedard in what can only be called the worst trade the franchise ever made. If we know nothing else about the prolonged meeting late Saturday afternoon among Bedard, manager Don Wakamatsu and general manager Jack Zduriencik, we know it will be months before the Mariners can part ways with the star-crossed left-hander. Six days remain until the non-waiver trading deadline expires. Zduriencik may yet agree to a blockbuster deal that could both solidify this season's team and solve some long-range position problems, but Bedard is off the table. "With Erik, you look at the command and lack of efficiency with his pitches. We ..."

Mariners officials think Erik Bedard is hurt again

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July 26

Seattle Times

"The good news in the photo above is that I think the Mariners actually won the game you see them playing. The bad news is, it was against their own 4 and 5-year-old kids and doesn't count in the standings. Oh well. In the real game played today, the Mariners were whipped 10-3 by the Cleveland Indians. And then, as if falling 7 1/2 games out of the division lead wasn't bad enough, the team kept the clubhouse door closed longer than usual. The reason why is that Don Wakamatsu and Jack Zduriencik caught up with Erik Bedard afterwards and had a frank discussion with him. Wakamatsu and Zduriencik didn't like how many pitches it was taking Bedard to get hitters out today and feel he is hurting. ..."

Pirates Notebook: Mariners, Twins in Sanchez mix

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July 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"There were scant signs of activity on the trade front regarding Freddy Sanchez, with sources last night reiterating that nothing was imminent but that talks between the Pirates and several teams were ongoing. Seattle yesterday traded shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to the Kansas City Royals for prospects, leaving the Mariners with a need at that position and second base. Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik, a New Castle native intimately familiar with the Pirates, had inquired about shortstop Jack Wilson in the spring. The Mariners also are known to have interest in Sanchez. Marc DelPiano, one of Pirates general manager Neal Huntington's special assistants, is in Seattle scouting the ..."

Mariners asked about Hermida

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July 5

Foxsports.com

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"The Mariners asked Florida about outfielder Jeremy Hermida, a major league source said, but it doesn't appear the talks advanced very far. Hermida would provide a left-handed power threat at low cost (roughly $1.125 million between now and the end of the regular season), but his trade value isn't what it once was. Hermida's slugging percentage has declined since 2007, and the Marlins are now starting Brett Carroll regularly against left-handers."

Big day looms for Freddy

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July 5

Foxsports.com

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"This could be a big day for Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez. One of two things will happen: He's either going to make the National League All-Star team or watch his trade value increase, however incrementally. Here's why. Right now, Sanchez's contract includes an $8 million option for 2010 that vests automatically after 635 plate appearances. But the trigger will drop to 600 plate appearances if he's an All-Star; under that circumstance, potential suitors would have to acknowledge the near-certainty that trading for Sanchez now means a significant payroll commitment for next season, too. Sanchez is on pace to finish with more than 660 plate appearances, which would guarantee the ..."

Mariners could be adding international talent as signing period begins

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July 2

Seattle Times

"For scouting aficianados, today is a very important day -- the first day that teams are allowed to sign international players not subject to the draft. We're talking primarily about players from Latin American (dominated annually by the Dominican Republic and Venezuela), but Japanese amateurs have been signed in recent years, as well. This is the route by which the Mariners landed Felix Hernandez , Jose Lopez , and Carlos Triunfel, among others; there will no doubt be some future superstars signed by teams during this international signing period. Bob Engle, their international scouting director, is regarded as one of the best in the business."

Cool solution for hot corner - Greg Dobbs

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July 1

Tacoma News Tribune

columnist John McGrath

"Before I suggest a low-maintenance replacement for the high-stress position usually occupied by Adrian Beltre, please meet Charles "Piano Legs" Hickman. OK, you can't meet Hickman, as he has been dead for 75 years. But his struggles should be a warning of the hazards that await any novice attempting to follow in his footsteps. In 1900, with the New York Giants, Hickman committed 86 errors. Actually, Piano Legs committed 87 - one in the outfield, and the other 86 at third base. It remains the single-season record for defensive ineptitude and explains why putting any old player at third base (or any young player, for that matter) might not be such a good idea. The ball will find you at ..."

Mariners have long-term decision to make on Adrian Beltre

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June 29

Seattle Times

columnist Steve Kelley

"When free agent Adrian Beltre signed a five-year, $64 million deal with Seattle in December 2004, it signaled a radical change in the Mariners' philosophy. The team and then-general manager Bill Bavasi were giving a signal to Seattle that they were going to be players in the marketplace. The Mariners spent another $50 million on Richie Sexson that winter, telling fans they understood they no longer could merely open the gates at Safeco Field and expect 35,000 grateful patrons to pour through the turnstiles. They had lost 99 games in 2004. Lou Piniella was gone. His successor, Bob Melvin, had been fired. GM Pat Gillick was history. A new approach was needed. The Mariners expected Beltre to ..."

Mike Morse traded for outfielder Ryan Langerhans

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June 28

Seattle Times

"Jack Zduriencik just announced that the Mariners have acquired outfielder Ryan Langerhans from the Nationals for Mike Morse. Langerhans, a left-handed hitter, plays all three outfield positions as well as first base. Though Langerhans characterized it as a minor-league trade, all indications are that Langerhans will be joining the Mariners Tuesday in New York. "This gives us a degree of flexibility,'' Zduriencik said. "We thought it was important to add another guy like this.'' The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Langerhans, 29, was hitting .278 (57x205) with 16 doubles, 9 home runs and 40 RBI in 64 games for Class AAA Syracuse. Langerhans has appeared in the majors in parts of the past seven seasons ..."

Trade Washburn? Not if he keeps pitching like this

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June 26

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Jarrod Washburn might not be the most popular of Mariners players with his current 4-5 record and a four-year mark of 27-48 in Seattle, but he's easily been the biggest surprise of a patchwork starting rotation that keeps getting the job done for the new regime. Washburn hasn't had a lot to show for it in the win column, thanks to the worst run support in the American League, but the 34-year-old is having by far his best season since signing a four-year, $37 million deal with Seattle in 2006. In fact, Washburn has been good enough that the Mariners should be growing increasingly reluctant to part with him at the trading deadline if they remain in contention in the AL West. Barring a ..."

Source: Injured Glaus has trade appeal at 1B/DH

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June 23

Foxsports.com

"Here's another name to consider for all those teams in the market for a first baseman or designated hitter. Troy Glaus. Glaus, who has yet to play this season while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, is progressing better with his hitting than his throwing, according to a source with knowledge of his recovery process. While Glaus hit off a pitching machine for the first time Monday and could be ready for a minor-league rehabilitation assignment by the middle of next week, he is struggling to throw at distances of greater than 90 feet, the source said. If Glaus cannot play third base, he will be of virtually no use to the Cardinals. Albert Pujols, perhaps the best player in the ..."

Dodgers rumored to be interested in Washburn

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June 22

MLB.com

"Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti is not with the Major League club this weekend, having gone on a scouting mission to watch the team's Minor League prospects around the country. The likely reason is to determine who to keep and who to include in deals as he looks to bolster the starting rotation. One veteran rumored on his radar is Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn."

M's must find a way to sign Felix

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June 21

Tacoma News Tribune

"Following Felix Hernandez's latest outing - a dominant two-hit shutout against the San Diego Padres - two obvious thoughts came to mind. Thought One: Wow, the Padres are really awful offensively. Hernandez has had days with better stuff and better command, and yet he still carved them up with brutal efficiency. And Adrian Gonzalez, the Padres' best hitter? Well, Hernandez just wore him out with fastballs on the inside half of the plate that he could never catch up with, sending him to an 0-for-4 day. Thought Two: The Mariners really need to find a way to sign Hernandez to a long-term contract extension. Neither of these thoughts is exactly original. In fact, any time Hernandez has a ..."

Red Sox want rotation depth, will keep Penny

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June 20

ESPN.com

"Be realistic. Jake Peavy and Erik Bedard probably won't be tradeable before Aug. 1. Drayton McLane is not moving Roy Oswalt. Jarrod Washburn could probably be had, and would be a good pickup for a National League team with a big ballpark (cue Dodgers, Mets and Giants). And that's about it. Oh, Brad Penny would probably be the best starting pitcher out there, but unless someone comes up with a Justin Smoak, Matt LaPorta or Brett Wallace -- which isn't going to happen -- they are going to hold onto Penny, who is two years removed from finishing third in the NL Cy Young race. Early in the season, Penny came out throwing 88-90 mph in the first couple of innings and gradually worked his way up ..."

Mariners don't have to decide yet if they're buyers or sellers

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June 16

Seattle Times

columnist Larry Stone

"Whenever I ponder the Mariners' game plan for this crucial upcoming period, when all fence-sitting teams must make the crucial buy-or-sell decision, I can't help but think of Jim Mora. That's Jim Sr., father of the current Seahawks coach, whose incredulous response when asked if his Indianapolis Colts team had a chance to make the playoffs, has become legendary. "Playoffs? Don't talk to me about playoffs! Are you kidding me? Playoffs? I'm just hoping we can win a game, another game." And to think, the Colts at the time were only two games under .500 at 4-6. The Mariners, after getting booted out of Denver on a funnel cloud, are three games under, and not looking like a team that can pass ..."

Brewers mull options

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June 16

Foxsports.com

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"One scout from a team with interest in Erik Bedard suspects that the Brewers will make a strong play for the Mariners left-hander, noting the presence of a Brewers scout at several of Bedard's recent starts. Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, the Brewers' former scouting director, certainly is familiar with the team's farm system. Bedard's durability, however, remains a concern for all interested clubs — he was scratched from his most recent start with slight shoulder inflammation. The Brewers' depth at shortstop increases the team's trade options. J.J. Hardy is in a 1-for-33 slump, dropping his batting average to 207. But he still should be attractive to teams in need of a shortstop. Hardy's ..."

Looking for an ace? Don't look here

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June 15

SI.com

"The pitching market is taking some serious hits lately. If the Padres were already frustrated by Jake Peavy's veto of the trade to the White Sox, now they have to beside themselves. With Peavy out "eight to 12 weeks" with an ankle injury, according to the Padres trainer, the team's hope to save the remainder on his contract (close to $60 million right now) is likely delayed by a year. This, of course, is not the fault of Peavy, who received the no-trade powers in return for agreeing to take what was seen as a below-market contract for an ace. But you have to wonder how many teams will eagerly give out full no-trade clauses in the future. The Braves are the one team that has made it policy ..."

Mariners Trade Rumors