That should be a pretty good representation of why you shouldn’t pay attention to every rumor you here – the fact is, the smart front offices are likely to “kick the tires”, on pretty much everyone out there. How else are you going to make sure you’re evaluating all of your options? That’s why I’m only going to expand on some of these names.

Matt Diaz – The Mariners could really use another decent outfielder, and Diaz might be a fit. He’s 32 years old, and only one year removed from a .384 wOBA, .390 OBP season. As for defense, he projects as something like an average fielder left or right field. We know how much trouble Michael Saunders has with lefties, so it might not be a bad idea to bring in a RH outfielder to platoon him with.

Rich Harden – After being awful and unhealthy with the A’s in 2010, Harden would likely come at a much cheaper price than he did a year ago. He’s as fragile as ever, but I doubt that the talent is gone. Potential for a low risk, high reward move here.

Gregg Zaun – Even at nearly 40 years old, Gregg Zaun is still a decent backup catcher. He missed most of 2010 with injury issues, but prior to that he had been a pretty consistently average hitter who can draw some walks. From what I’ve heard, the interest is mutual here, and I’m sure the team would love to bring in a veteran backup for Adam Moore, so don’t be surprised if this is a deal that happens.

Miguel Olivo – Pass. Terrible fit for Safeco Field, terrible plate approach.

Luis Valbuena – If you remember Luis Valbuena, it’s probably because he was part of the 2008 trade that brought Franklin Gutierrez to Seattle. He was a decent middle infield prospect at the time of the trade, though since heading to Cleveland he’s been absolutely awful. He is, however, still only 25 years old, and there’s no doubt that the talent is there. The team would likely bring him in as a stopgap at second base, and if he could succeed in that role, they’d have a nifty, young infielder.

We also signed 17-year-old Dominican shortstop Esteilon Peguero to a $2.9 million deal. Jay Yencich’s write up on him is here, and it sounds like he’s an excellent offensive talent.

No other moves yet, but I’ve got a good feeling about tomorrow.

Andy Pettitte to sign with Yanks: “The 37-year-old left-hander agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Yankees worth $11.75 million on Wednesday, representing a pay raise after he helped secure his fifth World Series championship with the organization.” —– MLB.com.  He’s still good.  He may not be worth his contract dollar for dollar, but he’s still a darn good hurler.  Solid deal for the Yankees.

Randy Wolf —-> Brewers: “The Brewers on Wednesday succeeded in luring free agent left-hander Randy Wolf with a three-year contract that reportedly includes a club option for a fourth year….The Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel reported that the contract includes an option for a fourth year and FoxSports.com pegged its guaranteed value at $29.75 million. Other reports on the value of the contract’s first three years ranged from $27 million to $30 million.” —- MLB.com.  I’m not ecstatic about this move from the Brewers’ perspective.  Wolf is a pretty decent pitcher, but he’s very susceptible to injury.  If he makes 30+ starts each year over the next three seasons, I’ll be extremely surprised, to say the least.  Plus by the time Wolf’s fourth year option comes along he’ll be almost 37.

LaTroy Hawkins —-> Brewers, for 2 years: “Hawkins’ contract, which is pending a physical, is worth $7.5 million, according to a Twitter feed by Larry Reynolds, Hawkins’ agent.” —– MLB.com.  Um, he’s 37.  And he’s a reliever.  Bad move.  Milwaukee is clearly suffering from a distinct lack of Jack Zduriencik.

Seattle Mariners sign……. no one.  Yet.

UPDATE: Rangers may sign Rich Harden, and soon.  Crap.

Day one was relatively uninteresting, with no major news taking place. There were a few minor signings and arbitration decisions, however, none of them involved the Mariners, so I’m not even going to talk about them.

There were a few developments on the Mariners front, though;

It sounds like what Felix and his agent Alan Nero are looking for, is somewhere in the 6 year/$100 million range. Even for Felix, 6 years is a really, really long contract, and when dealing with starting pitchers, giving out extremely long term contracts is pretty risky. However, we are talking about Felix Hernandez here, who happens to be a 23 year old ace. And although it could be pretty risky, if he were to stay healthy, we’d probably get at least $100 million in value from him over the course of 6 seasons.

Another development, which Taylor already mentioned, is that the Mariners are apparently showing a lot of interest in Nick Johnson. That’s awesome, and unsurprising. Let’s hope Jack Z locks him up.

Another day, another 40 people calling Jason Bay a “great fit for the Mariners”. Reports are still that the Mariners are interested in Bay, but I remain completely faithful that Jack Zduriencik is way too smart to give a butt load of money over multiple years to a player like him. It just wouldn’t make sense. I’m not sure why that’s so hard for some people to grasp. He can’t play defense, he’s going to cost significantly more than he’s worth, and he’s a right handed power hitter who would be playing at a park that murders right handed power hitters. It seems simple enough to me.

Other names the Mariners have been linked to today: Orlando Hudson, Miguel Olivo, Josh Willingham, and Mark DeRosa.

I’m pretty much indifferent towards all four of these guys.

Hudson would be nice, but only if we trade Jose Lopez. I don’t want him moving to first base.

Willingham is a good player, but he’s a right handed power hitter who plays slightly below average defense out in left, and he’d be blocking Michael Saunders. I just don’t think it’d be worth it.

Miguel Olivo isn’t bad, but I don’t know if it’d be the best idea to bring in a veteran catcher when you have Adam Moore ready to seize the starting job – especially now that Gregg Zaun is off the market. He would have made a lot more sense than Olivo.

And finally,  I just don’t think DeRosa makes much sense now that we’ve got Figgins. The difference in value between him and Jose Lopez would not come close to being worth the difference in price.

That pretty much sums up today’s action. Check back in tomorrow.

Taylor’s Edit: I gave a quick opinion in the previous post, but here’s ultimately what I’m hoping Z will do: Sign Rich Harden, Felix, and make some trade that will make the fanbase ooh and ah – preferably one that involves shipping Jose Lopez to Kansas City.  Oh, and keep Michael Saunders.  Please.  Of course, keep in mind that this is all speculation. Griffin and I don’t know any more than you do, and anything can happen.