Mariners Scouting Yankees David Phelps For SP Help

Feb 27, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher David Phelps (41) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report by George A. King III of the New York Post, the Seattle Mariners sent a scout to the New York Yankees camp to watch RHP David Phelps.

With questions as to the health of Taijuan Walker and Hisashi Iwakuma, it’s no secret that the Mariners should at least be looking into options. While most speculated that the club would sign free agent RHP Ervin Santana, perhaps a trade is more likely after all.

Phelps allowed a run and five hits in 2.1 IP of work on Tuesday night against the Orioles.

Phelps, 25, is 10-9 with a 4.11 ERA in 55 games for the Yankees the past two seasons. He sported a 40-15 record with a 2.53 ERA combined across all levels of minor league ball in the past six seasons. He is under club control until 2019.

So who would the Yankees most likely seek in return? Nick Franklin of course. Franklin has been rumored to be a key piece in trade talks between the Rays and Mets over the past week or so.

Though as King suggests in his article, it would take more than just Phelps for the Yanks to land Franklin.

That’s comforting. So who else? Is there any possibility that Ichiro would come back to Seattle? Would Mariners fans want him back?