Go into winter with enough question marks – and the Mariners have plenty – and the national media will come up with rumors at the general managers meetings.

Ken Rosenthal and sidekick John Morosi are in Chicago manning the hallways and hotel lobby, and they’ve come up with a few rumors for Seattle.

Not surprisingly, GM Jack Zduriencik isn’t quoted. He’s of the mind that saying ‘no’ to free agent rumors unnecessarily disparages the player, and saying ‘yes’ means he’ll have to negotiate in the press.

Rich Harden? He’d likely fall into that low-risk category if he’d accept an incentive-heavy contract, but given his health it’s hard to see him as the Mariners first choice.

Jason Bay’s name comes up because he’s a productive free agent outfielder and the Mariners need offense. A high-salaried, 31-year-old right-handed hitter in Safeco Field? Probably not the optimal pick up – as Seattle has learned before.