Mariners rumors: Pavano, Cameron, Washburn and more

by Mike Salk

Another busy morning from Indianapolis comes with another round of rumors and things heard in the lobby.

-According to a league source, the Mariners had very serious discussions with Twins P Carl Pavano before he ultimately accepted arbitration in Minnesota. Shannon Drayer adds that the team had targeted Pavano this summer and tried hard for him four years ago as well.

-The Mariners have been linked a few times now to free agent OF Mike Cameron. Both Shannon and I have heard that from multiple places, and his agent has not denied the connection, saying via text message that Cameron, “thoroughly enjoyed his time in Seattle and his family loved it.”

-Tough market for P Jarrod Washburn right now. He wants to stay near home in Wisconsin, but the Twins don’t have a need anymore because of Pavano and the Brewers would not have a need if they sign P Randy Wolf. Apparently, his agent (Scott Boras ) has at least been in contact with the M’s. Not sure how many teams are left near his home that would have interest. I don’t think the Chicago teams are good fits. Maybe this ends with him in Seattle at a reduced price…

–Shannon had a conversation with Felix Hernandez’s agent (Alan Nero) this morning. Seems like there is a good relationship with the M’s. She’ll have more shortly.

-Debate continues over the actual amount of spending money the Mariners have. Dave Cameron says:

The people who are reporting that the team has “$50 million” to spend are just doing lazy analysis of subtracting the salaries from 2009 that are no longer here. It’s just not an accurate gauge of where the payroll stands.

Current guaranteed salaries:

Ichiro, $17 million

Silva, $11.5 million

Figgins, $9 million

Wilson, $5 million

Snell, 4.25 million

Griffey, $2.5 million

Lopez, $2.3 million

Hall, $1.25 million

Betancourt, $1 million

That’s $52 million for eight roster spots. Assume ~$15 million for the four arbitration eligible players they are likely to tender contracts to (Felix, Aardsma, Gutierrez, Lowe), and you’re at $67 million for 11 roster spots.

Of the remaining 14 roster spots, probably 10-11 will be filled by players who will make about $500,000 apiece – Rowland-Smith, Morrow, Moore, Hannahan, etc…. That’s another $5 million, bringing the total to around $72 million.

That would leave the M’s with just over $25 million to spend.

Meanwhile, Buster Olney’s latest says the Mariners are “flush with cash.” I’d guess the truth is somewhere in between.

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