Mariners not scared off by prices - 美國職棒

On first day of meetings, club sees market escalate
By Jim Street / MLB.com

ANAHEIM -- The price of doing business in the free agent market is going up,
but not so high that the Mariners are being scared away.
None one of the five free agents who signed contracts on the first day of the
annual Winter Meetings on Friday drew any interest from the Mariners, but
general manager Bill Bavasi acknowledged that the market is much different
now from a few days ago.

"Anybody saying it is not affecting [the market] is either wishful thinking,
or they have their head in the sand," he said. "We'd like to think it's not,
but it is."

Eyebrows were raised when the Diamondbacks signed third baseman Troy Glaus to
a four-year, $45 million contract on Thursday and more shockwaves rumbled
through the Anaheim Marriott lobby when it was announced that the D-Backs had
signed right-hander Russ Ortiz to a four-year, $33 million contract.

The AL West rival Angels signed outfielder Steve Finley for $14 million over
two years while the Rangers added outfielder Richard Hidalgo for $4.5 million
and relievers Antonio Alfonseca and Todd Jones re-signed with the Marlins for
$4.75 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

Well, at least a market is being established and the Mariners are still
players.

"It might not be where you want it to get, but you are getting somewhere,"
Bavasi said.

Meanwhile, the first day of the meetings for the Mariners went about as
expected -- more talk than action.

"It was a busy day," Bavasi said. "We are taking steps, but not quick
enough."

In light of the most recent signings -- especially the Glaus whopper --
Bavasi said the Mariners have had to alter their expectations, but not lower
them.

According to rumors circulating, but not substantiated by Bavasi, Seattle is
among four teams pursuing third baseman Adrian Beltre, could be a finalist
for signing first baseman Carlos Delgado and is one of three teams still in
the Carl Pavano Sweepstakes, along with the Red Sox and Yankees.

The Mariners also are believed to be among the contenders for shortstop Edgar
Renteria, who reportedly is seeking a four-year, $40 million contract. If the
Mariners signed a shortstop like Renteria instead of a third baseman,
20-year-old Jose Lopez would most likely move to third base.

"I don't know enough about him, but he profiles to be a pretty good third
baseman but a great second baseman, offensively," Bavasi said. "He looked
pretty good at third base, what little I saw of him there, but I mostly saw
him at shortstop."

Bavasi wouldn't comment when asked about Beltre, who had a breakout season
(.334, 48 homers, 121 RBIs) for the Dodgers this past season, other than to
say he has had at least one meeting with Beltre's agent, Scott Boras.

Seattle remains in the hunt for Pavano, a right-handed starting pitcher
coming off his best season -- 18-8 record and 3.00 ERA with the Marlins.

"It doesn't sound like he wants to drag it out and we still have to find out
what the next step is," Bavasi said. "At some point, we'll get together with
Scott [Shapiro, Pavano's agent] and see what the next step is."

The Mariners have submitted the "framework" for an offer and are eager to be
more specific. Pitching ranks behind hitting on the list of improvements that
must be made on a team that finished last in runs scored this past season.

"We have to get some things done, we know that," Bavasi said. "We have to
make some chances and we'd like to get something done with free agents while
we're here at these meetings. Are we close? I can probably answer that
tomorrow.

"But there is no sense of urgency. These meetings are convenient, not a
deadline."


Jim Street is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the
approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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