The Mariners, on the verge of losing free-agent first baseman Nick Johnson to the Yankees, are trying to trade right-hander Brandon Morrow for a hitter at first base, third or DH, according to a major- league source.
The Mariners also have not ruled out re-signing third baseman Adrian Beltre and first baseman Russell Branyan.
General manager Jack Zduriencik, the Brewers’ former scouting director, spoke with his former club about a Morrow-for-Mat Gamel deal. The talks failed to progress but could be revisited later, the source said.
If the Brewers traded Gamel, a third baseman, they would commit to Casey McGehee at third. -Ken Rosenthal