CBS Sports: Nelson Cruz, Fernando Rodney Topping Mariners Wish List

Aug 19, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) reacts after a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Rays defeated the Orioles 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

One of the first things new Mariners president Kevin Mather did was give general manager Jack Zduriencik a little breathing room with payroll, indicating that there could be room for another signing.

That being said, the word has been out for some time that the team is interested in free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz. Now, according to Jon Heyman, the two sides are in talks and a multi-year deal is possible.

The last part of that is interesting as well.

We here at SoDoMojo have been advocating for Fernando Rodney all offseason. Okay, so I have. No offense to Danny Farquhar, who could become a very good closer some day, the Mariners could benefit from a veteran arm in the bullpen.

Rodney will be 37, has 85 saves over the past two seasons, was an All-Star in 2012 where he finished 5th in the Cy Young voting and would be lights out in a pitcher-friendly park like Safeco.

Why not give Farquhar a year to setup Rodney, learn some things and really prepare to be a closer (like the Yankees did with Mariano Rivera and David Robertson)?

The problem is that Rodney is looking for 2-years and $15 million. May be too pricey for Seattle.

But back to Cruz, Jon Heyman this morning then reiterated on MLB Network’s Hot Stove morning show that he believes Cruz is “talking very seriously with Seattle” right now.

Looks like the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl may already be having a hurry-up effect on the Mariners front office.