Mariner Linkage

• Zduriencik's first personnel move: minor league FA.  A center fielder that he draftecd in Milwaulkee.  (Bleeding BLue & Teal) More on it from Larry LaRue (Mariners Insider).  The consensus seems to be that he is a phenomenal defensive player.  It doesn't seem like he has much of a shot at the majors, but the idea of a guy being picked up by the M's for his defense is a refreshing change.
• LaRue on Mariners free agents.  Cairo, Bloomquist, and Ibanez so none figure to be back.  (Mariners Insider)
• Jim Street talks to Griffey's agent.  I read USSM's piece last night on him, and followed the comment thread, and I have to say I side with Dave.  No matter his cost in dollars, the opportunity cost of taking at-bats away from a potential contributor to a successful Mariner team guarantees that Junior will not ever be a bargain. (Official Site)
• Junichi Tazawa, a 22 year old Japanese pitcher, has asked not to be drafted and will attempt to make the jump to the majors next year.  Jon Shields reports the Mariners have a meeting scheduled.  With Engle around, I am very comfortable with any international signings made by the Mariners.  I'll keep an eye on this. (Bleeding Blue & Teal)
• Derek Zumsteg on Pat Gillick.  This post is great.  USSM is by no means a fan of Gillick, yet Derek is still able to perfectly capture Gillick's strength while highlighting his penchant for wrecking player development. (U.S.S. Mariner)
• Larry LaRue on the fate of the Mariner coaching staff (Mariners Insider)
• USSM and Lookout Landing on the Elias Rankings.  Raul is Type A.  Let hime walk, get the draft picks (U.S.S. Mariner, Lookout Landing)
• Jon Shields on a potential offseason plan.  Basically a rip-off of what Dave Cameron has been saying, but doesn't make it any less true, and the more people pushing for it the better in my mind.  (Bleeding Blue & Teal)
• Another link roudup (Mariner Melee)