Desperate to bolster their rotation, the Mariners are closing in on a deal with pitcher Carlos Silva, one of the top arms in a weak free-agent market. Talks between the sides have intensified, a person familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Mariners are not discussing the talks publicly. The 28-year-old right-hander was 13-14 last season with a 4.19 ERA -- better than every Mariners' starter other than hard-throwing Felix Hernandez.