Seattle Mariners Wiretap

Mariners Step Up Efforts For Boston's Lester Or Papelbon

According to multiple sources, the Seattle Mariners have increased efforts to build up pitching depth at or near the major-league level.

An East Coast source said the Mariners are offering pitcher Gil Meche as well as center fielder Jeremy Reed, in an effort to obtain one of Boston's prized pitching prospects, Jon Lester (a Puyallup native) or Jonathan Papelbon, in a trade.

Boston began the talks when it became apparent it would lose center fielder Johnny Damon. In its initial inquiry about Reed, Boston was believed to have talked about giving hard-throwing Matt Clement, who will make $19 million over the next two seasons.

Since signing left-hander Jarrod Washburn to a $38 million contract, Seattle has focused on sinker-baller Bronson Arroyo in recent discussions since he made only $1.85 million in 2005 and is arbitration eligible and under club control for three more years.

"It might be tough to get Lester or Papelbon," a National League scout said. "Every team who has talked to the Sox about a deal has asked for one of them."

While the Mariners are said to be more proactive in pushing a trade with Boston, they apparently are down on the Red Sox's dance card.

The Sox, in need of a shortstop as well as a center fielder, are reportedly focused on a multi-player deal with Tampa Bay, trying to land shortstop Julio Lugo and outfielder Joey Gathright.

"Gathright is strictly a defensive guy, real fast but not much with the bat," a scout said. "You can be sure Tampa is trying to get Papelbon or Lester in that deal."

Via Seattle Times

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Mariners Sign Lawton To One-Year Deal

The Mariners took a chance on Matt Lawton, agreeing Thursday to a $400,000, one-year contract with a player who will start next season under suspension because of steroid use.

The commissioner's office announced Nov. 2 that Lawton tested positive for steroids, a substance identified as boldenone, which is used by veterinarians. "I made a terrible and foolish mistake that I will regret for the rest of my life," Lawton said at the time of his suspension.

Because he tested positive under the 2005 program, Lawton will miss the first 10 days of next season instead of 50 games, the penalty called for under the toughened agreement players and owners adopted under pressure from politicians.

Via AP

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M's Sign Washburn To Four-Year Deal

The Seattle Mariners found the starting pitcher they've been looking for this offseason, and Jarrod Washburn got the multiyear contract he's always wanted.

Washburn agreed to a $37.5 million, four-year deal with the Mariners on Monday, leaving the AL West champion Los Angeles Angels for a team coming off consecutive last-place finishes.

"Jarrod is a proven major league winner who immediately makes us better in the starting rotation," Seattle general manager Bill Bavasi said.

And apparently, so ends a spending spree the Mariners hope will return them to the top of the division.

Last month, they signed Japanese catcher Kenji Johjima to a $16.5 million, three-year deal. Two weeks ago, they brought back 43-year-old starter Jamie Moyer for one year and $5.5 million. And they also added former White Sox designated hitter Carl Everett for one season at $4 million.

Via AP

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Mariners Close In On Former Angel Pitcher

The Seattle Mariners are nearing a four-year deal with free-agent pitcher Jarrod Washburn, filling the team's need for another veteran arm in the starting rotation.

Washburn, who was fourth in the American League with a 3.20 ERA last season, was close to a four-year deal worth between $35 and 40 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press Friday night, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet in place.

The News Tribune of Tacoma first reported the parties nearing an agreement on its Web site.

Via AP

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Mariners Now Seek Pitching

Bill Bavasi now turns his attention back to his search for pitching, which includes Scott Boras clients Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn, as well as Scott Elarton and another intriguing name on their radar, Sidney Ponson.

Though Bavasi declined comment, major-league sources say the Mariners have interest in Ponson. Once a top-of-the-rotation pitcher for the Orioles, Ponson, 29, was released by Baltimore last September after an arrest for driving while impaired, for which he is now serving a five-day jail sentence. A grievance from the players association over his release is scheduled to be heard in March, but he may reach a settlement before then that will make him a free agent.

Via Seattle Times

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