Mariners Winter Meetings checklist

12/02/2005
SEATTLE -- This year's Winter Meetings in Dallas move from a weekend to a weekday schedule, beginning on Monday, Dec. 5 and ending on Thursday, Dec. 8. While there were very few fireworks at last year's event, there could be more wheeling and dealing this year due to the relatively thin group of free agents.
Look for Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi to continue his pursuit of a left-handed hitter with power that would fit in well at Safeco Field and a starting pitcher to ease the burden on 19-year-old Felix Hernandez and his rotation colleagues.
And be sure to check back at MLB.com and seattlemariners.com regularly to find out the latest about the Mariners as we bring you the news as it happens from Dallas.
2005 finish: 69-93, 4th place, AL West
Deals so far: Signed free agent C Kenji Johjima to a three-year, $16.5 million contract; exercised option on LHP Eddie Guardado for $6.25 million
Players eligible for arbitration: RHP Gil Meche, RHP Ryan Franklin, RHP Julio Mateo, INF Willie Bloomquist, C Yorvit Torrealba
Free agents: LHP Jamie Moyer, RHP Jeff Nelson, INF Dave Hansen
Needs: The top priority since the end of the 2005 season has been starting pitching. Even if the team is successful in re-signing Moyer, Bavasi would like to add at least one more top-of-the-rotation pitcher. Hernandez is an ace in the making, but putting him in the No.1 spot at such a young age could do more harm than good. The Mariners also are looking for a left-handed batter with power, and he could fit in well in either left field, designated hitter or a combination of both.
Dealing strengths: Young middle infielders are plentiful in the Minor Leagues, and now that they have a new first-string catcher in Johjima, veteran receiver Torrealba is available. It is getting more difficult to acquire experienced pitching, which could lead the Mariners to stick with right-handers Meche and Franklin instead of trading them.

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/