Sound familiar? You read that line three days ago in a piece by SN's Jesse Spectorr
But alas, we could be close to the end of the constantly reappearing rumor about the Seattle Mariners signing free agent Nelson Cruz. The Tacoma News Tribune reports sources say it's a "matter of time" before the Mariners reach a deal with Cruz.
The Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton tweeted that most think the contract will be two years. No word on money, and it is pending a physical. Any team that signs Cruz will have to give up a draft pick to sign him.
The Mariners have been linked to Cruz since the winter meetings in December. The 33-year-old provides a solid bat in the lineup, but as SN's Spector has said, Cruz may have difficulties in the expansive outfield at Safeco Field.
An All-Star in 2013, Cruz hit .266 last season for the Texas Rangers with 27 home runs and a .833 OPS in 109 games. He was suspended for 50 games, which he served in August and September, for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal.
The Mariners have added Robinson Cano, Corey Hart and Logan Morrison during the offseason. They ended 2013 with a 71-91 record, 25 games behind AL West championin Oakland.
DODGERS SIGN MAHOLM
It looks like the Los Angeles Dodgers have increased their already considerable pitching depth with the addition of left-hander Paul Maholm.
The Dodgers did not announce the addition, but Maholm was in the clubhouse when pitchers and catchers reported to the team's Arizona spring training facility on Saturday. His name was even on a locker, temporarily, but it was removed apparently because the deal had not been made public.
Maholm declined to talk to reporters.
Finally, on Saturday night, the Dodgers officially announced they had signed Maholm to a one-year contract.
The 31-year-old pitcher was 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts for the Atlanta Braves last season. Maholm has a career record of 76-95 in 243 major league appearances.
Yesterday, as both teams opened spring training, the Diamondbacks agreed to sign free-agent right-hander Bronson Arroyo to a two-year deal. The Dodgers and Diamondbacks will open the 2014 MLB season with a series in Australia, March 22 and 23.
The two teams, separated by a six-hour drive down I-10, went opposite ways last summer. As the Dodgers got hot and couldn't seem to lose, the Diamondbacks slipped out of the driver's seat in the NL West.
After the Dodgers celebrated the NL West title by partying in the Diamondbacks pool, anything these two teams do in relation to each other is hot news.
Contributors: Cassandra Negley, The Associated Press
