At Bat with the Seattle Mariners This Morning: Monday, December 10, 2012

Sep 21, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) reacts in the dugout during the 1st inning between the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers during the 1st inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

With the winter meetings finished, and a proposed roster in the works, the Mariners’ off season is starting to roll. Here’s a summary of recent Mariners news around the web.

• Jason Bay officially signed with the Mariners for $1,000,000. This price is contingent upon making the 25-person team roster out of spring training. Otherwise, Bay will receive $500,000.
• The Philadelphia Phillies took Michael Young from the Rangers in exchange for two relief pitchers.
• Reports abound that the Mariners are looking to make “King” Felix Hernandez a Mariner for life. There are two years left on his contract with the Seattle team, but he’s waiting to see what kind of deal that will involve.
• The Dodgers signed Zack Greinke, who was also  prospect for rivals the Texas Rangers. This means that the Rangers have money freed up for Josh Hamilton. Hamilton is rumored to be a prospect favorite for the Mariners. His contract is for $147 million dollars – a price tag that now influences King Felix and Justin Verlander’s decisions as pitchers.
• MLB salary averages have risen 3.8% to $3.2 million dollars.
• The Royals have closed up on any possible trades. That means that Billy Butler and Alex Gordon are out of the picture.
• Both Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn are still available. We will have to wait and see what happens with them in the coming negotiations.
• The Mariners will be opening a new restaurant, Edgar’s, in the Safeco Field outfield.

What do you think? Will the Mariners be able to close the deal on one of the “big fish” prospects, or will they need to wait out and try to trade their way to a strong team? With the Rangers in a good position to sign Hamilton for another term, will the Mariners be out of luck on that front? Post your thoughts in the comments.