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Mariners: No News Is Good News?

By Dan Hughes |
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Another week has gone by and the Seattle Mariners have failed to make any noise on the free agent or trade front. It has a lot of Mariners fans nervous.

Nervous that the report that leaked a few weeks ago about the Mariners being out of money may actually be true. I still say it’s a load of hogwash – I want that word to make a comeback – but I can see the concerns.

To say that the Mariners have been quiet this past week would be like saying that the Pope is a Catholic. Doesn’t really quite describe it.

Now, it was Christmas this past Wednesday and a lot of staffers break for the holiday. With it being mid-week, it’s possible that many teams sent their people home for the week. With the new year just around the corner, maybe we sill start seeing some action.

Here, as best as I can, is a wrap of what DID happen this week and what is rumored to be in the works.

Aug 21, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs pinch hitter Cole Gillespie (2) hits an RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Some More Minor Moves

The Mariners continue to make minor moves to round out the lower levels of the organization.

They signed Cole Gillespie and Matt Palmer to minor league deals.

I quipped that the Mariners signed a northwest native, former Oregon State University baseball player and free agent outfielder….just not the one we originally wanted.

But I like the move, I think if he makes the club (assuming he will if there is an injury to Franklin Gutierrez, Logan Morrison or Corey Hart) he would be a welcome addition to the team.

The Palmer signing is a bit more confusing. Perhaps they are hoping he regains the form he had when he went 11-2 with the Angels. But at the age of 34, that seems more and more like it was a fluke year.

Also, Chance Ruffin – who was designated for assignment to make room for Guti – cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A Tacoma.

Dec 11, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Rakuten Golden Eagles president Yozo Tachibana (right) walks through the lobby during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Tachibana has decided to allow

Masahiro Tanaka

(not pictured) to sign with a MLB team now that Nippon Professional Baseball and the MLB have agreed on a $20 Million maximum posting bid. Mandatory Credit:

David Manning

-USA TODAY Sports

Masahiro Tanaka Finally Posted

Here’s the good stuff. This is why I think the Mariners are not done spending. I think they are in on Tanaka. I think they have a great chance of signing him and I think even if they lose out on him, this allows the other free agent chips – Matt Garza, Ubaldo Jimenez, Ervin Santana – to start falling and the M’s will get one of them.

Even New York writers think the Mariners will make a go for Tanaka.

With the Dodgers, Yankees and Twins among the teams thought to be in on Tanaka, this process could take us right up to the January 24th deadline.

Aug 1, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder

Nelson Cruz

(17) takes a practice swing before his at bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of a baseball game at the Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Other Rumors Of Note

We continue to hear rumors that Nelson Cruz will end up in Seattle. Seems more and more likely now that Shin-Soo Choo has signed with Texas.

The David Price trade rumors have quieted with the Tanaka posting. That and the fact that the Tampa Bay Rays seemingly want too much for Price. They will more than likely head into 2014 with Price and either deal him at the July 31 trade deadline or try it again this next offseason.

We do know now – at least that’s what they are telling us – that Taijuan Walker will NOT be part of a deal to land Price.

Same can be said about the Dodgers and Matt Kemp. Both Kemp and Andre Ethier appear to be expendable but neither has been talked about in detail for some time. It may be that teams need to see how Kemp comes into Spring Training before deciding if he is healthy enough for what LA wants in return.

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