Forgive me if this looks rushed, it is as I am doing updates every twenty minutes at the station...

Today is the deadline for teams to file Major and Minor League reserve lists for protection in the Rule 5 Draft. The M's have made a couple of moves and lost a couple of players.

Chris Jakabauskas was claimed by the Pirates and Robert Manual was claimed by the Red Sox.

I reached Jakabauskas by phone. "Well, it is an interesting start to my weekend," he said.

He told me he had been notified by the Mariners this morning that he had been taken off the 40 man roster. Forty-five minutes later he got the call that he had been claimed by the Pirates.

"It's kind of bittersweet," he told me. "It's a bummer actually. I made some good friends, good relationships. I understand the business but I really enjoyed being a part of what was going on up there."

It was quite a year for Jakabauskas who turned out to be the surprise of spring training. He made the club coming out of spring training and other than a short stint in the minors to rest his shoulder in August, stuck with the club all year.

"When they told me I was on waivers my first thought was I hope I am claimed. Not that I wanted to leave but it is good to know they wanted me. In the end it is all about having a job."

Will post the updated 40 man roster as soon as I have it.

Just spoke to Rob Johnson who said he was "Awesome," after his third surgery of the fall.

Johnson had an up close view of just what was going on in his left wrist as he insisted in not being put under for the surgery.

"I watched it on the big screen and you could just tell the good side and the bad side. The bad side looked like spaghetti and there was a hole in the tendon."

The doctor patched the hole, cleaned it out and according to Johnson when he was done, the previously bad side looked like the good side.

He faces a month of rehab on the wrist and then says he should be good to go. He is progressing nicely after the two hip surgeries, saying that there are things he can do now just 14 days out of the second surgery that he couldn't do before.

"There is no cracking, no grinding no popping. I feel I can use my hips hitting, flexing, shifting, getting low behind the plate to catch Felix's 96mph sinker."

He looks forward to being ready to go in spring training.

I think we all knew that Zack Greinke would win the Cy Young. It is hard to argue against his performance and I won't. Instead I will argue for Felix and why he could have won this award. I will also tell you why I think this award got away from him.

First of all this is so open for discussion. I believe that when you have two sides that are so close that you can cherry pick enough stats to prop up your argument. Look at some things, conveniently ignore others and you have your clear cut winner, don't you?

His first two months cost him the award. From June on he was the better pitcher. I will go so far as to say that had he not pitched in the WBC, he probably would have won the award. If he had been in camp longer and Wak and Adair could have starter their work with him sooner May might not have been the month it was for him.

Greinke was sharp out of the gates when the pitcher has the advantage giving up just 2 runs in the month of April and throwing 2 complete games. This is the difference. Felix was good that month, but not that good. May was a disaster for him but I think he could have absorbed it if Greinke had been human in the month of April.

I realize that the Cy Young award is a full season award. That said Felix finished stronger. Since June Felix has allowed less runs in one more start than Greinke. Twenty-four of his final twenty-five starts were quality starts. More importantly, since June Felix has failed to go seven innings just four times. Greinke pitched less than seven innings in ten of his twenty-three starts since June. Beyond a quality start, when Felix took the ball the bullpen took a break. And they knew they would.

Also significant but something I doubt voters will take into consideration is the fact that Greinke has not pitched in a meaningful game with regard to the post season since opening day. Felix pitched for a team that was in contention for the majority of the season. You cannot say that about the Royals.

Disappointing yes, but there is little question that Felix's performance this year would have been good enough in most. There is no question what he did for his team. Most importantly he took the final step from number one to ace and after watching him in 2008 I wasn't convinced we would ever see that. He has an incredible future in front of him and I hope when he wins that first Cy Young it is as a Mariner.

Apologies for not checking in sooner. I am actually working two full weeks doing updates in the office! Crazy. Not used to being confined to an office that isn't in the shape of a baseball diamond. Doing my best to stay out of trouble.

Thoughts on what happened with the team last week. I will start with Junior.

He is coming back for a twenty second season. Good I say. I am going to completely push aside the baseball reasons here. Personally, I wanted him back because quite simply there is no one I would rather walk into my workspace each day and see than Ken Griffey Jr. Pure and simple, it was something I looked forward to every day. He was that enjoyable and fun to be around and I know his teammates agree with me.

Ken Griffey Jr had no demands coming back. He told Jack Z that he wanted to come back and be a part of this if they would have him.

Some look at this as Jr needing baseball. I think otherwise. I think baseball needs Jr.

He has a beautiful family, unlimited recourses, and enough curiosity and interests to keep him busy for a lifetime. There have been many players I have covered through the years that I worried about what they would do when playing was no longer an option because baseball was all they did. Jr is not one of these players.

He is happy being a full time parent and husband. He loves to travel. In his down time he will take off with the family in his RV or boat. He takes pictures, he is working on his pilots license, he has a great network of friends that he has fun with. He has adventures in all points of the globe set up for when he retires and has time to turn his attention to those pursuits. He has his foundation and is active on the boards of others.

While there are things he will miss in the everyday life of baseball in getting to know I him I realize that he gets it. He gets how fortunate he is. He gets that baseball is a huge part of his life but there are other things out there that are important to him too.

He came back because he wanted to be a part of a team that is going in a positive direction. Money was not a factor. Playing time was not a factor. I would like to come back if they will have me he said.

Of course after 21 years he can afford this but still, to live it every day is another thing.

It is not frustrating to him that he cannot go out there and hit forty homeruns a season. He focuses on what he can do. Not for himself but for his team. Make no mistake. If he thought he were hurting the team, he would not be here.

I want to be a part of this, if they will have me.

They will have him. From Chuck to Jack to Don to Ichiro and every man on that roster the answer is yes, we would like to have him.

And for one more season, we will.

For two more seasons we will have Jack Wilson. With this team defense up the middle is a priority and you can't do much better defensively at short than Wilson. Offensively, he showed little in his time with the Mariners. I knew not to expect much, he was not known for his bat, but still the lack of offense was a concern.

What I have to remind myself is I am convinced that he was really pressing in his short time with the Mariners. I know he was anxious to show what he could do and tried to do so on a bad hamstring. You could tell it was eating him up shortly after he arrived. He also told us on the Hot Stove League Show (heard on 710ESPN Wednesdays from 6-8) that the unfamiliarity with the league both offensively and defensively was a killer for him. With time to get healthy and prepare I think we will see more of what he has been in Pittsburgh the last few years. Still not a great bat, but not an automatic out either.

The signing helps solidify the infield while perhaps displacing a future infielder. Carlos Triunfel was the shortstop of the future. Had he not spent the year on the DL last year we most likely would have seen him in September if not sooner. Some think that he could make up for lost time quickly and we could see him this year. Jack Z told us that he will be playing 2nd and 3rd in AFL and Winter Ball. So what of Jose Lopez? That remains to be seen.

Moving on. Mariners have been the darling of the hot stove season with their name popping up in all sorts of rumors. Today Jon Paul Morosi of foxsports.com reports that the team is interested in Edwin Jackson and has even exchanged names for a possible trade. Detroit is looking for young, cheap pitching and the Mariners do have some of that. You can read the article here.

The Mariners have had a flirtation with Jackson before and this could get even more interesting as the same article says that the M's are interested in Curtis Granderson as well. My one concern here, and it is a biggie, is he cannot hit lefties. Nice fielder, good against righties, top of the class in character but really struggles against lefties. If the Mariners were to sign him, they would need a huge bat at third and DH. I just don't see Granderson as part of the solution on offense but as with everything this offseason, I am going to wait until all of the puzzle pieces are in place.

John Wetteland and the Mariners have released statements regarding his hospitalization earlier today. They are quite different from what was reported in the Dallas press.

Wetteland from his home this eveneing in Argyle, TX, "Thank you for your concerns. My wife and I are very appreciative of the over and above care of our local officers and paramedics. The circumstances leading to my elevated blood pressure and heart rate have been addressed. I am currently resting safely at home."

Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager Jack Zduriencik, "We were relieved once we heard the details from John and Michelle and that John is safe at home and in good health. Contrary to earlier news reports, the reason John was hospitalized was because of an extremely high heart rate. We have let them know that the Mariners will do whatever we can to assist them."

Concerning news out of Texas this afternoon as Mariners bullpen coach John Wetteland has been hospitalized with what county officials are calling mental health issues. The article can be found here.

I have spoken with two of the relievers and they are very concerned. This group is extremely close to their coach. He is certainly one of the good guys and is very invested in his players. Everyone is hoping for the best.

I will pass on more information as it becomes available.

Larry Stone is reporting this morning that Ken Griffey Jr has indeed agreed to a one year contract and is returning to the team. The Mariners are expected to make the announcement this afternoon. I think this is a very good thing for the team in that Jr was invaluable to that clubhouse and taught the guys to play loose. From tickles to hugs, to history and dramatic homeruns, this guy has great value to this team and I am happy to see him back.

From Swingman to Pitchman.

Jack Zduriencik made a big splash intended or not at the General Managers Meetings in Chicago this week when he told the media there when asked about Felix Hernandez, “He’s our property this year and next year, and we’re looking forward to him being part of the organization as we move forward. I can’t control other people calling and people wanting to have discussions. That’s the job to do and certainly we’re going to dot our i’s and cross our t’s. But where we stand right now is that he’s an integral part of what we’re doing and we’re looking forward to having him."

I think this is what a lot of M's fans have wanted to hear but what I am hearing from a lot of you are concerned that the Mariners have not begun negotiating a long term contract with Felix yet. I think a lot of us would have felt better if this had begun as soon as the season had ended. I for one have been pretty anxious about this. You know who hasn't been anxious? Felix.

"He likes Seattle, he likes his team. He likes being in the competitive situation he is in Seattle," his agent Alan Nero told me today. "He is not frustrated or anxious about the situation right now. Scott Pucino who works with me and knows Felix probably better than I do is meeting with him now in Venezuela and says he is very content."

Nero went on to say, "We have been assured by everyone that the team would do something. We are not in a hurry. It is up to them and when they are ready."

As for Zduriencik comments, Nero said they just reinforced what they already knew in that the Mariners certainly wanted to keep Felix long term and again that there was nothing to worry about. What about a possible trade?

"It would be a surprise to all of us if that would happen."

Reports out of Chicago today would indicate that Zduriencik's declaration about keeping Felix was not a "give us your best, and I mean best shot" statement in disguise. Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweeted tonight (seriously, you have to get on Twitter if you haven't already), "have been told by several execs that no sign the Mariners are considering moving Felix Hernandez."

So when could something happen? To me this is looking more and more like an early spring thing with the arbitration hearing date being the biggest deadline. Nero indicated that his relationship with the organization was very good saying that Don Wakamatsu had done a great job of developing his relationship with Felix and that Zduriencik had been very calming for them. He has negotiated with Zduriencik once in the past representing Felix in his first arbitration eligible contract and that went smoothly.

While anything could happen at any time, all indications are that it may take some time, but both sides will sit down at a negotiating table eventually. It is not a pressing issue according to Nero.

"I really don't see anything to be worried about."

News and notes...From the "perhaps I was going in the wrong direction today" file, Larry Stone, Jim Street and Larry Larue were all talked to Russell Branyan today about turning down a one year offer from the M's. He remains optimistic that something will still get done with the team. For more, read the Times, MLB.com, or News Tribune...It is looking more and more like it is a matter of when, not if Ken Griffey Jr signs for one final year. Some of his last words to me were, "Why wouldn't I come back?"...Hot Stove League Show kicks off Wed. from 6-8. First guests include Don Wakamatsu, Mike Blowers, Mark Lowe and Larry Larue...Ichiro picks up his 9th straight Gold Glove award becoming the first player to win the award his first nine seasons. It was the 23rd consecutive year a Mariner has picked up the award. That is the best streak in the majors...Franklin Gutierrez did not win the award. He should have. CJ Wilson of the Texas Rangers tweeted (seriously, get on Twitter, @shannondrayer) @str8edgeracer no gold glove for gutierrez? maybe he only made amazing catches against the rangers then...this post has been brought to you by the letters R,B,I and the number 34. Happy 40th Sesame Street!...

Jamie Moyer is back in Seattle and up to good as usual! He will be signing the new 2010 Moyer Foundation Calendars on Tuesday, November 10 from 11-1 at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance: http://www.seattlecca.org/scca-map-and-directions.cfm

The calendars are only $5 and benefit Hutch School for children whose lives have been touched by cancer. Can't think of a better way to tell Jamie thank you for what he did in Seattle than to support the Moyer Foundation.

Moving on, one quick note. Saw this on NPB tracker today. Joh scouting for his new team and looking to swipe a Mariners pitcher or two? Check it out here.

And they're off! After a relatively quiet month since the season ended plenty of activity today. Actually some quiet activity in the past week also.

Things of interest to me...How many times did I hear it mentioned during the World Series that Hideki Matsui would be a free agent and the only other club he was believed to have interest in was the Mariners? Because he wanted to play with Ichiro? The comment was almost as pointed as John Miller's reading of the Cowboy Joe West bio in game 6. Seriously, I don't want to hear about the umpires! I digress. Not sure there is room for Matsui in the M's clubhouse if this is true. Matsui bigger than Ichiro in Japan? Say it ain't so, Joh!

Love how the author describes Ichiro as "the smooth-talking Ichiro."

Moves today include the Mets declining the option on JJ Putz. It was a miserable year for JJ who spent most of it injured and away from the team which may not have been a bad thing (the being away). The Mets were a soap opera this year. Spoke with him recently and he said rehab has come along nicely and he will be 100% this spring.

Mark Teahen has been traded to the White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields. Still waiting for the late "Ibanez-like" breakout the Royals were promising a couple of years ago from Teahen.

Move of the day that hurts the most? Bobby Abreu re-ups with Anaheim in a two year deal that is worth a reported 19 million dollars. Could he have gotten more if he tested the free agent market? Well with the numbers that are being thrown around with Jason Bay, maybe. Last off season was not fun for Abreu however who had to settle for a one year 5 million dollar deal late with the Angels. He would have loved to have come to Seattle back then I have heard from several people. He's happy in Anaheim and wasn't messing around this time round. Sure he is 35 but hit .293/.390/.435, stole 30 bases, stayed healthy, and was a leader in the clubhouse. Defensively? Well lets just say that this deal looks better if he is the DH. I don't know what they do with Guerrero. For a lot of this season he looked 50 out there. Would somebody have overpaid for Abreu on the open market? Maybe. Looks like a good deal for both sides here.

Moving on. Not buying the Milton Bradley for another bad contract talk and certainly not to the Mariners. Those that I have spoke with sounded lets say, less than enthusiastic about such a move. Also, from early reports it sounds like there are some clubs that would welcome his bat, which comes along with the rest of him. I just do not see him becoming the next patron of tickle therapy here.

From the what the heck are they going to do in San Diego file...Apparently the flyer for season tickets that was sent out to fans was missing the image of one Adrian Gonzalez...Now why would they not put their most marketable player on their ticket brochure?

I have received tons of questions about the off season so I am going to see if I can knock out a bunch of answers right here, right now.

First off...Hot Stove League Show fires up Wed. Nov 11 on 710 ESPN. I am very excited to announce that we will be going two hours from the get go (in the past we were one hour before the first of the year) and the show will be running on Wednesdays from 6-8. I am looking forward to doing the show ON A SPORTS STATION! Rick Rizzs will be joining me as well as many, many guests for two hours each week of baseball talk that will include you.

So, write it down. Wednesdays at 6:00! How about other dates to keep an eye on? Well here goes...

The Day after the final game of the World Series eligible players can file for free agency. Clubs have exclusive negotiating rights with their free agents in a window that lasts for fifteen days following the end of the World Series. After that, the free agent frenzy can officially begin.

General Manager Meetings will take place in the middle of this from Nov. 9-11 in Chicago. These meetings include the top executives from clubs and it is here where they often begin discussing trades. The meetings are not quite as high profile as the Baseball Winter Meetings which follow a month later.

December 1 is a day to keep an eye on. By that day clubs must offer salary arbitration to their free agents in order to receive draft pick compensation.

The Winter Meetings take place in Indianapolis Dec 7-10. It is here that the most work can get done in the shortest amount of time as everyone is in the same spot at the same time. Entire front offices, agents, managers, scouts and of course media will all converge in Indianapolis where anything can happen at any time. Or not. Sometimes there are deals o'plenty, other times we leave with the words, "We got a lot of good work done, the framework for further conversations is in place, we are in on several guys..." And of course we always hear, "There is no pressure to get anything done here. This is nothing more than an opportunity to meet and talk with everyone as they are all in one place." Regardless, things are going to happen. The Mariners have a roster to fill.

The final day of the meetings is the Rule 5 draft. A huge deadline looms two days later. December 12 is the day teams must offer arbitration to players who are eligible. Those who are not offered arbitration become free agents. Because of the economic situation in baseball right now, some are saying that we could see a record number of non tenders. This could make for a very active December and January, although baseball typically shuts down between Christmas and New Years.

Where can you find lists of potential free agents as well as player contract information? Check out Cot's Baseball Contracts. While not official information it has proven to be very accurate.

What about awards you ask?

November 10 AL Gold Gloves

November 11 NL Gold Gloves

November 12 Silver Sluggers

November 16 AL & NL Rookies of the Year

November 17 AL Cy Young

November 18 AL & NL Managers of the Year

November 19 NL Cy Young

November 23 AL MVP

November 24 NL MVP

Other awards have already been handed out. Of note (but no surprise no doubt) to Mariners fans, the Fielding Bible Awards with Franklin Gutierrez, Ichiro and Jack Wilson picking up the honors for their positions.

Also just announced, the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars team. Phillippe Aumont, Josh Fields and Dustin Ackley will represent the Mariners in the game which takes place Nov 7 and can be seen on the MLB Network as well as MLB.com

Hope this helps. Think I am going to set up the studio at 710 like a war room. The Mariners have a lot of work to do and this could be a very eventful off season.

One Seahawks note or observation before I go. They really need to work on their Belief Systems!