Following reports that the Mariners had have advanced talks with free-agent Prince Fielder, Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik has refuted rumors. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported that the Mariners "made Prince Fielder an offer [or at least told him what they'd pay]," but that "Seattle people love him, but said to have $ limits." When contacted, Zduriencik maintained the same stance he's had since the free-agent period began last month. "I got a bunch of calls this morning on a bunch of subjects and players we're connected with," he said. "But I'm not going to comment on free-agent players. That's the end of it. We'll do our due diligence, and I'm not going to say anything more." Zduriencik is well aware that the rival Angels and Rangers have made major splashes this offseason, but indicated that shouldn't lead the Mariners to panic and veer from their own plan. "There's no question that both those clubs have helped themselves and both were really good as it was," he said. "Now, the Angels get Pujols and [C.J.] Wilson and Texas gets Yu Darvish. But we're not going to deviate from our course. We're a little further away than those clubs. We have a plan in place. "I really like our pitching at the upper Minor League level and on our Major League staff. We're not going to make any decisions that will hurt our long-term plan. We're doing what we're doing, and when it's the right time, whether now or in the future, we'll do what needs to be done. We're not going to change from that."