“The desert’s quiet, Cleveland’s cold
And so the story ends we’re told
Pancho needs your prayers it’s true, but save a few for Lefty too.”

10:16 a.m. — “We are not close.”

Figured I’d get to the news of the day first.  Geoff Baker of the Times had a story that the Mariners, according to sources, were “close” to signing free agent slugger Josh Hamilton.

Well, Mariners president Chuck Armstrong dispelled that notion this morning.

“We aren’t close,” he said. “I don’t know how anyone could say …

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Not exactly your traditional Nashville style country. This is a little Texas/Oklahoma country from Cody Canada & the Departed, but it’s one of my favorite songs so it’s going on the blog.

10:06 a.m. — Wrapping up yesterday …

Here’s my main story on Jack Zduriencik’s anger about the team being characterized as desperate for hitting.  And my notebook talked about the Mariners in preliminary talks with the agents of Felix Hernandez about a possible contract extension.  The  notebook also mentions the possibility of Jason Bay signing a 1-year …

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10:20 a.m.

A little Willie to start your morning …. yes, I like country music. I’m from Montana. I also like old school hip hop as well. Yes, I’m weird.

We are back at the Gaylord for day 2 of rumors, whispers and free soda …. diet mountain dew!!!

10:35 a.m.

Here’s my story from yesterday’s paper on GM Jack Zduriencik’s decision making. Here’s my notebook wrapping up some of the other news of the day.

10:49 a.m.

Jon Heyman has tweeted out something …

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So day one of the winter meetings is officially over. Well, there is quite a few scribes still at the sports bar at the Gaylord that’s in the middle of a lake. It’s a long story to explain. And a longer story of why I’m not with them.

A source within the organization said of the Mariners talks today, “we are meeting with everyone.”

And that source wasn’t kidding.  The Mariners were linked to over 12 players on the first day of the winter meetings. But that’s what happens when you are one of the worst offensive teams in all …

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Greetings form the Gaylord Convention Center here at Opryland. No, I haven’t seen any country singers yet. The only cowboy I’ve seen is Tracy Ringolsby.

Let’s get to it.

You can cross Mike Napoli off the list of possible hitters coming to the Mariners. Napoli just signed a 3-year, $39 million contract with the Red Sox.

I’m not sure Napoli was the best fit. His body seems to be breaking down at a faster rate than mine. …

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Baseball America  is releasing it’s Top 10 prospect lists for various organizations around baseball. The Mariners’ Top 10 list for 2013 was released today.

Not surprisingly, the Mariners most recent first-round draft pick Mike Zunino leads the list. The hard-hitting catcher had a stellar first year of professional baseball. He rose through the organization, starting at Class A Everett and moving to Double A Jackson and produced along the way. He had a solid Arizona Fall League as well.

Zunino ranks ahead of Taijuan Walker, who remained the No. 2 prospect in the organization for the second straight season. …

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