After jumping in the mix for every available player yesterday, the Mariners appear to have cooled off considerably. The list of available players is dwindling, and rumors of any major players coming to Seattle have, for the most part, been shut down.
The Diamondbacks have all but closed the door on a deal that would send Justin Upton to Seattle, deeming prospect (and potential trade chip) Nick Franklin too young.
According to Jon Heyman, the Mariners are sustaining hope on the Josh Hamilton front, though any offers in the works are being kept under wraps so far.
The Pirates have reached out to the Mariners on a Garrett Jones trade, angling for RHP Taijuan Walker. Rob Biertempfel reports that this proposal was promptly denied.
Before murmurings of a Billy Butler trade inflate your hopes too much, Jerry Crasnick reassures the Twittersphere that the likelihood of such a move has been exaggerated. However, one player who is nearing a deal with the Mariners is the aforementioned Jason Bay.
Don’t let these rumors get you too down, though. Even if Jack reserves his major signings for a later date, the Mariners are sure to lock down Felix Hernandez at some point this winter. Via Jon Heyman:
Turns out, king felix has been in talks with #mariners for weeks. Told negotiations are a “slow dance.” KF in no rush now
Finally, here are a few more names the Mariners were linked to in today’s Hot Stove activities. Sources are linked in each player’s name.
Players the Mariners met with or “checked up on”: 2
Players the Mariners were linked to, but did not interact with: 1
Players the Mariners actually signed: 0
Check back tomorrow for more updates, and be sure to follow the team of Mariners writers and bloggers covering the Nashville convention firsthand: Greg Johns, Ryan Divish, Geoff Baker, Jeff Sullivan, and Jeff Evans.
