Dec 19, 2007 10:50 PM EST

Free-agent pitcher Carlos Silva and the Mariners are close to completing a four-year contract, a move that would add depth to the Mariners' rotation.

A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday night that the parameters of the deal were in place, and a formal announcement was expected Thursday afternoon. The person requested anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made.

Via AP