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Seattle Mariners Wiretap

Mariners, Byrnes Agree To Contract

The Mariners have signed veteran outfielder Eric Byrnes to a one-year deal two weeks after he was cut loose by the Diamondbacks.

"Once I talked to Jack [Zduriencik] I knew this was the right fit. It was just a matter of figuring out what other opportunities I had out there," Byrnes said. "Right away I just felt that this was the place I felt like I could contribute."

Byrnes hit .286 with 21 homers and 83 RBIs in 2007 prior to two injury-plagued seasons.

Via ESPN


Griffey Looking Healthier, Leaner

Ken Griffey Jr. is on his way to fulfilling his claim to general manager Jack Zduriencik of showing up "ripped" at spring training.

"I'm not saying he's going to look like he did in 1995," trainer Rick Griffin said, "but he's going to look a little better."

Griffey had his left knee drained numerous times last season then had a bone spur removed in late October. Griffin said Griffey was running about 10 days after the surgery and will be able to do more at spring training than last season.

"He's better now than he was at any point last year," Griffin said.

Via Seattle PI


Manuel Wishes Phillies Still Had Cliff Lee

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel admitted on Tuesday that he wishes Cliff Lee was still a part of the team's rotation.

Manuel spoke about the trade that sent Lee to Seattle and Roy Halladay to Philadelphia during a news conference.

"Halladay is the best pitcher in baseball right now. Lee is a tad behind him. Of course it would've been nice to have both of them," Manuel said. "It'd be good to have Halladay, Lee, [Cole] Hamels. I'd be looking good. I might even be buying more expensive furniture than the Mrs. has been buying me lately."

Via ESPN


Cliff Lee Jokes That He Wants A $200B Deal

The Mariners introduced pitcher Cliff Lee on Friday and the ace joked about his upcoming free agency.

Seattle acquired Lee via trade with Philadelphia and his current contract expires after the 2010 season.

"I want a 10-year deal for about 200 billion dollars," Lee joked with a straight face when asked about his future.

Via ESPN


Mariners Aren't Done, Expect To Make Playoffs

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik believes that the team is headed to the postseason, but he isn't done tinkering with the roster.

"We're real close," he said Thursday. "We're going to be a better team. I think we're going to make the playoffs this year."

The team locked Felix Hernandez up long-term and added Chone Figgins and Cliff Lee this offseason.

Via Seattle Times


Mariners Jan 2010 Archive