I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, but it has been extremely slow on the rumor and news fronts here in Mariner-land.  I’m hoping it’s the calm before the storm, but here are a couple talking points to get us through, if you’re interested.

Aaron Heilman was hurt last season

Lookout Landing dug up an interesting tid bit: Heilman apparently was pitching with tendinitis in his landing knee last season, a possible explanation for his off-year.  If that is truly the case, maybe Heilman can revert to his pre-2008 form (read: great setup man).

Such a development could make an already good trade look a lot better.

19 teams interested in Jon Nelson

According to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, 63% of Major League teams have inquired on reliever Joe Nelson, who was non-tendered by the Florida Marlins a few days ago.  Seattle is bound to be interested after shipping away their 2008 closer and setup man last week.

The 34 year old Nelson pitched in 59 games for the Marlins last year, as well as 19 games in AAA.  In 54 MLB innings he posted a 2.00 ERA while striking out 10 batter per 9 innings.  Nelson has 68 career saves combined between the majors and minors, and Seattle could bring him in and throw him into the closer/setup mix with Aaron Heilman, Miguel Batista and Mark Lowe.

That said, 19 teams could stir up quite a bidding war, and he could quickly go from being a potential bargain to slightly overpaid very quickly.   The bidding has already reached at least $1M according to his agent, although he just be driving up the price by saying that.

Mariners sign OF Freddy Guzman to a minor league deal

A former top Padres prospect, the soon to be 28 year old Guzman is best known for his baserunning, having stolen 329 bases in his five seasons as a professional.  He’s extremely fast, and has even been known for tagging up at second base and scoring.   Guzman has hit for a fair average in the minors and walks at a decent clip, but doesn’t have any power whatsoever.  The chances of you seeing much of him are slim, as he’ll likely slide just in front of Mel Stocker as a backup fourth outfielder, aka AAA roster filler.

A couple fun facts: One, Guzman missed all of 2005 with Tommy John surgery.  Two, last offseason he was traded from the Rangers to the Tigers in return for Chris Shelton, who is now his Mariners teammate.