Mariners Rumors: A Whole Lot Of Talk

Feb 18, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik speaks to the media during MLB media day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The news was flying out of Peoria, Ariz. on Friday as Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik and new skipper Lloyd McClendon answered some burning questions. Here is the latest round of news and Mariners rumors.

The first quote of note was from Trader Jack who told Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune:

"“I could have already done a couple of deals. I didn’t want to do them. I wanted to figure out what we had here. I want to see our players with our own eyes. Let’s let a whole new coaching staff put their hands on them. Get their opinions, and we’ll see. There will be opportunities if we want to do something. Not that we will, but I think they’ll exist.”"

Does that mean the Mariners are done adding? Hardly. But what it does seem to mean is that the team will wait until some spring training games are under their belts to see what we indeed have this year.

Perhaps Abraham Almonte shows tremendous promise as a starting centerfielder/leadoff man and Justin Smoak hits 10 homers in the first six games. Yeah, and perhaps six to eight American League teams just give up on the season before it starts too.

I wouldn’t read too much into this. Jack is just posturing and keeping potential free agents of  the mindset that “we really don’t need you” which will keep the price lower.