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Mariners Want Kuroda

The Associated Press

Published: November 22, 2007

SEATTLE - The Seattle Mariners have made their pitch to Hiroki Kuroda. Now they are waiting to see whether the Japanese ace will do the same for them next season.

Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi and Manager John McLaren led a contingent to Japan this week that met with Kuroda and tried to persuade that country's top free-agent pitcher to sign with Seattle.

"The Mariners are interested in Kuroda and have just returned to Seattle from Japan where they met with our client," agent Joe Urbon wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Kuroda, a 32-year-old right-hander with a fastball in the mid-90-mph range and excellent control, would fill one of the Mariners' biggest offseason needs. He was 12-8 with a 3.56 ERA in 26 starts last season for the Hiroshima Carp of the Central League. In 2006, he had a league-best 1.85 ERA. The year before that he led the Central League with 15 victories.

In 11 seasons with Hiroshima, he is 103-89 with a 3.69 ERA.

Bavasi and McLaren no doubt emphasized to Kuroda the opportunity to play with countrymen Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle's superstar outfielder and franchise cornerstone, and Kenji Johjima, a catcher who would ease Kuroda's transition into the major leagues. Johjima has one season remaining on a $16.5 million, three-year contract.

BREWERS: Catcher Jason Kendall and Milwaukee reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract.

PIRATES: Dropped first baseman Josh Phelps off their 40-man roster in a surprise move and claimed right-hander Jimmy Barthmaier off waivers from the Astros.

Also, the Pirates promoted right-handers Olivo Astacio and Ronald Belisario and infielder Brian Bixler to their 40-man roster.

RANGERS: Infielder Ramon Vazquez and Texas agreed to an $810,000, one-year contact.

The Rangers also signed infielder Ryan Roberts to a minor-league contract. The 27-year-old opted for free agency after playing 17 games during the past two seasons with Toronto.

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