Kenny Rosenthal:

The Mariners and Brewers are among the teams interested in free-agent utility man Craig Counsell. The Brewers declined Counsell’s $3.4 million team option, but could bring him back at a lesser salary. Counsell, 38, had a .355 on-base percentage in 302 plate appearances last season. He also drew interest from the Indians before the Tribe traded for Mark DeRosa …

The Mariners likely are willing to move right-hander Aaron Heilman, who they did not consider a key component of their six-player return in the J.J. Putz trade. Heilman, 30, is entering his second year of arbitration, and could make sense for one of the many teams looking for an affordable starting pitcher. The Mets used him as a reliever, but he prefers to start …

Counsell is a solid defender at second base, shortstop and third, walks more often than anyone on the current Mariner roster, and has a knack for finding himself on very good teams (including the World Series champion Florida Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks).  That said, I’m not sure why Seattle would be looking for any more utility players.  They’ve already got Reegie Corona, Callix Crabbe, Chris Woodward and others vying for that 25th roster spot.

Could Counsell be considered a starter?  It’s a scary thought at first, but Counsel would be a better option than Yuniesky Betancourt.  He plays better defense and gets on base a lot more, which is important out of the ninth spot of the lineup.  Since Counsell isn’t really a high batting average or power guy, moving to the American League wouldn’t have as much effect on him as other hitters, in my opinion.  Interesting…

As far as Heilman goes, this isn’t a surprise.  We’ve been talking about this on and off since he was first acquired from the Mets.  The Cardinals and Dodgers seem like good fits for him right now, whether he’s a starter, reliever or swing man.