July 2006 - Seattle Mariners Wiretap

Sean Burroughs has reportedly signed a minor-league deal with the Mariners. Burroughs, 26, appeared in eight games for Tampa Bay last season, batting .190. He was optioned to Triple-A Durham and finally released on June 22.

Mariners' officials met with Barry Zito and his agent, Scott Boras, in Southern California on Monday, The Seattle Times has learned. General manager Bill Bavasi and manager Mike Hargrove were among the Mariners' contingent, industry sources confirmed. The session was reportedly more of a "get-acquainted session" than a negotiating forum.

Jose Vidro doesn't mind changing teams, leagues or positions. The Mariners acquired Vidro and $4 million from the Nationals for oft-injured outfielder Chris Snelling and right-hander Emiliano Fruto in a deal finalized Monday.

The trade between the Nationals and Mariners that sent second baseman Jose Vidro to Seattle and outfielder Chris Snelling and right-hander Emiliano Fruto to Washington will be put on hold for another three days because Vidro still needs to take his physical. Vidro was scheduled to take the physical in Miami on Friday, but his flight in Puerto Rico was canceled because of engine problems. Vidro is scheduled to take a Sunday night flight to Miami and see the doctor the next day.

A person familiar with the Yankees' thinking said the team has renewed interest in righthanded pitcher Joel Pineiro, who hit the free-agent market yesterday following a subpar season with Seattle. He was one of several players granted free agency because he was not tendered a contract by his 2006 club by Tuesday's midnight deadline.

Apparently the Mariners have acquired a veteran bat to help them keep innings alive. Citing a source high in the organization, MLB.com reported Wednesday that the Mariners acquired second baseman Jose Vidro from the Nationals for outfielder Chris Snelling and righthander Emiliano Fruto.

Right-hander Joel Pineiro became a free agent Tuesday when the Mariners declined to offer him a contract for next year. The 28-year-old Pineiro finished 8-13 with a 6.36 ERA last season. He started the year in the rotation, but was later moved to the bullpen. He made 25 starts and appeared in a career-high 40 games.

The Mariners apparently made another addition to their starting rotation Monday, agreeing to a three-year contract with Miguel Batista, according to a report by the Seattle Times. Batista, 35, will reportedly be paid more than $24 million over the length of the contract. According to the story, the deal will be finalized once he passes his physical.

The Atlanta Braves have traded left-handed starting pitcher Horacio Ramirez to the Seattle Mariners for reliever Rafael Soriano. Soriano is expected to be the primary set-up man for Atlanta closer Bob Wickman.

The Mariners, according to a report in the USA Today, are actively shopping Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson. They were both signed to expensive contracts two years ago.