UPDATE (10:55 p.m.): Jose Guillen just agreed to a three-year, $36-million deal with the Kansas City Royals, according to this report. He has to pass a physical exam on Tuesday. Got to hand it to Guillen. He told me all along he'd trump the three years, $30 million given to Eric Byrnes by the Diamondbacks and he apparently has.

9:58 p.m. -- Things have gotten considerably more quiet here at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. I'm sure plenty of baseball folks are drinking up a storm in some of the many bars and pubs to be found if you're willing to walk through all the lobbies to get there. But others are still working in their hotel suites, winding up after what Mariners GM Bill Bavasi termed an "unproductive" day.

We were inside the team's suite with Bavasi a little while ago and questioned him for 20 minutes on what had taken place. Bavasi says he came here hoping to get in on the Johan Santana trade talks, but quickly found that his team was not a high priority for the Minnesota Twins.

Remember what we wrote last week about our source telling us the Mariners were a "second tier" competitor for Santana? Well, that's kind of how Bavasi feels right now. The meetings have been hijacked by the Santana talks, but all the real talking is being done by the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Both those clubs have the potential to put three top prospects on the table, which the M's can't. At least, not prospects the Twins need. They don't need Jeff Clement. And Brandon Morrow has yet to prove he can start in the majors and be effective. Both the Yankees and Red Sox can trump that.

In other words, the M's didn't "get out" of the Santana derby because of the high cost. More like they've been put on a back-burner by the Twins for now.

"I wouldn't say that we're completely out of it,'' Bavasi said. "But they may have some deals they have to contemplate before ours.''

I'd say. In other words, if the Yanks, or Bosox, pull out of talks (as the Yankees threatened to do barring a Monday deal) then the M's could jump back in if the offers started to get lower. Otherwise, they've got "Plan B" which is Erik Bedard. Bavasi wouldn't say it flat out, but he's obviously interested in the O's lefty and made it pretty clear his team would be looking at him further.

As we wrote earlier, the cost could be astronomical -- at least three, possibly four top prospects.

Then again, if the "loser" in the Boston-New York Santana bidding opts to go for Dan Haren of the Oakland A's instead of Bedard (who pitches in the AL East and is unlikely to be dealt within the division) then the O's asking price could drop.

Bavasi's staffers and scouts spoke to two teams today, one of them the Milwaukee Brewers. As we mentioned, the Brew Crew needs a young catcher and some relief help. The M's need a starter and Ben Sheets is a good place to start talking.

The M's spent much of the day scheduling meetings to talk tomorrow. They have meetings with 11 other clubs. Bavasi wouldn't say whether the O's are among them but I wouldn't read a lot into that right now. As I said, everything is in a holding pattern until Santana gets done.

Same thing for free agents. Bavasi and Co. are waiting on Hiroki Kuroda's decision about which team he'll come over from Japan to join. But Kuroda, wisely, is apparently going to wait for some type of market to be set here before jumping into the fray. That means, Santana and some other pending deals have to get done first.

"There are probably some potential trades out there that are holding up the market,'' Bavasi said.

A report that the M's will go as high as four years, $44 million for Kuroda was met with skepticism and incredulity in the hallways here. Someone I talked to, who makes his living evaluating and projecting talent for major league teams and the media, said flat-out that Kuroda is a very risky proposition for an AL club and that four years is too much. Can't say whether he's right or wrong. Though plenty of folks I talk to have the same concerns that Kuroda coming here could be akin to a mid-range NL pitcher jumping to the AL. We all know how that often turns out.

I'm told the Diamondbacks are unlikely to go any higher than three years on Kuroda, so a four-year offer could very well get the deal done. I just can't confirm that the M's have made one. It sounds a bit high.

Yes, I asked Bavasi about not offering arbitration to Jose Guillen.

"We didn't like the exposure,'' he said.

By "exposure" he means strictly money. Not the steroid stuff that came out last month. Strictly the money. The M's just didn't want to have to pay Guillen the money he could get in an arbitration case in the unlikely event he opted to take a one-year deal with Seattle. So for that, they give up a Type "B" compensatory pick they would have received had he left.

For what it's worth, I highly doubt Guillen would come back for one year. He's a proud guy, has talked too long about wanting a multi-year deal and apparently has a job with the Royals if he wants one (NOTE -- read update at top of post about Guillen's new three-year, $36 million deal with Kansas City). But it's not my money being risked. Just an opinion.

For David in the comments thread of the previous post, yes, anyone can come here, wander the halls and walk right by folks like Dusty Baker, Felipe Alou and Lou Piniella. The real wheeling and dealing takes place behind closed doors, though. Plenty of folks around here trying to introduce themselves and pawn off resumes. They had a "job fair" earlier today and lots of people were doing it. The trick is to not be really annoying.

Anyway, that was the day for the Mariners. Lots of talk. We've discussed all the rumors already so I won't go into them more. But oh, wait, I did have a conversation pertaining to that potential Edwin Jackson-Ben Broussard deal between the M's and Rays. The Rays were apparently not all that hot on the idea of Broussard alone, for the reasons I've mentioned. Jackson is slotted for the Tampa rotation, while Broussard could be non-tendered. Might take more than that, but it's still early. Just a rumor and no longer a very good one at that. Everything is still in the preliminary stage, more rumor than fact, while the baseball world waits to hear where Santana is going.

No, not the horses pictured above. We're talking about mound horses. Pitchers. Guys for the starting rotation. The ones in the photo are two that were staring at me as I tried to wind my way back to the media room here at the Gaylord Opryland resort and convention center. Lots of that kind of stuff around here. Anyway, the Mariners are into "Plan B" mode in their search to upgrade two of five rotation spots, having left the Johan Santana sweepstakes to the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. GM Bill Bavasi is said to have asked the Milwaukee Brewers about Ben Sheets and Brew Crew GM Doug Melvin did tell his team's beat reporters he met with "a West Coast" club today.

The Brewers need a corner outfielder, but also a catcher who is ready or almost ready for the big leagues. There would seem to be a bit of a match there with Jeff Clement. Remember, the Brewers only have Jason Kendall around for one year. A guy dealt to Milwaukee would be Kendall's backup in 2008 with a look at taking over the starting job by 2009. Milwaukee also needs relief pitching. Too early to say whether anything will develop out of that.

There have been a handful of rumors about a possible deal with Cleveland involving Raul Ibanez. The way this rumor goes, pitcher Cliff Lee would be coming back the other way. There is somewhat of a fit here, since the Indians have been looking for a corner outfield bat that hits lefthanded. And a platoon of Ibanez against lefties wouldn't be a problem for the Indians either, since they have a slew of righthanded bats who could fill that role.

Any real hang-up to Ibanez-Lee, however, at least from Cleveland's side, would be in the contracts. Ibanez only has one year left on his deal -- at $5.5 million. Lee, on the other hand, is under control for at least two more years at $3.75 million in 2008 and $5.75 million in 2009. There's also a club option for $8 million in 2010, so that's a lot the Indians would be giving up for an outfielder in his mid-30s with only one year left on his contract.

Lee had an off-year in 2007 and it's questionable how much he fit in Cleveland's plans. But the guy went 18-5 in 2005 and won 14 games in 2006. His ERA+ was above league average the three seasons before this past one. He's still only 29 despite being somewhat stubborn when it comes to what he does on the mound and how well he listens to coaches. At least, that's the word out of Cleveland. I don't know, that seems like a lot for the Indians to give up for merely Ibanez. I don't see it happening, but we'll find out.

Then, there's Erik Bedard. The Baltimore folks I talk to say that O's president Andy McPhail wants a bunch of major league ready, cheap young position players. Just think Adam Jones, Jeff Clement, Brandon Morrow and more. Morrow's not a position player, remember? They likely want \more than folks want to part with for a pitcher who's yet to throw 200 innings in a season. Yes, Bedard is one of the best in baseball when healthy. But, so is Rich Harden. Therein lies the problem of giving up the farm. The M's are in on Bedard, hoping for the price to come down.

Here's the thing. We likely won't know more until after Santana's deal happens. Plenty of people assume the loser of the Santana sweepstakes will go after Bedard as well. I'm not so sure about that. I spoke to a Red Sox scout an hour ago and he told me his team will likely go after Oakland's Dan Haren ahead of Bedard. The same scout also had the feeling the Orioles would be unlikely to deal Bedard within the AL East.

If he's right, the market for Bedard would likely come down. At least, down from the rumor of at least three, possibly four young players. Should be interesting to keep an eye on what happens. The Mets and Dodgers have had interest as well, so we'll see if they can keep his cost high.

One thing worth noting is that conversations between the O's and Bedard have cooled in recent days in regards to him getting an extension by the team. Bedard is under contract through 2009, but the team would be pressed to deal him before then -- especially if Santana helps set the market for a horde of prospects in return.

So, that's it for now. No real movement to report. We meet with Bavasi at his suite in less than an hour. I know what he'll tell us. He's still looking. Looking for some horses. Two of them.

Lots of rumors flying fast and furiously here in Nashville. The best way to hear them is to leave behind the rows of computer-pounding reporters in the media room (pictured above), and walk about 15 minutes to a main bar and lobby atrium in the Cascades section of this massive hotel. You can see the picture of it below. I just came back from there, having spoken to some of my contacts from around baseball. No, not just other reporters. People who actually work for MLB teams.

So, I've spoken to those people and here's what they tell me about the Mariners. Forget about Johan Santana. Out of their league. As for the possibility of a Raul Ibanez trade to the Cubs in return for pitcher Mark Prior (first of all, for me that's a huge risk), I was told it isn't happening -- for now. The Cubs official I spoke with told me that Chicago GM Jim Hendry called the M's at season's end about acquiring Ibanez.

"It's no secret that Jim wants a lefthanded bat,'' my source said.

But the Mariners apparently never got back to the Cubs, at least not with any proposals. In the meantime, the Cubs have shifted their focus away from Ibanez and towards Kosuke Fukodome from Japan. Fukodome would be coming over to play in right field.

Now, in the event that Fukodome doesn't sign with Chicago, Hendry has made it clear he is pursuing other options. This is where, my source tells me, the team might want to revisit the subject of Ibanez. But it's not their only option and, to be honest, my guy didn't sound all that enthused. The issue of where Ibanez would play would be a big one, since Alfonso Soriano is in left field and isn't going anywhere. That means Ibanez in right field?

Yes it does. Hendry wants the lefty bat in right field, so bringing in Ibanez would mean he goes to right. Remember, my source reminded me, there's a shorter right field at Wrigley, so it isn't the same as at Safeco Field.

Anyhow, that's where things stand. My guess? Until we hear from Fukodome via his agent here later today, there's no point speculating about Ibanez to Chicago. Well, you can speculate about it. But it won't be happening today, I'm pretty sure.

As for Ben Broussard, there is a need for a first baseman down in Tampa Bay and the Rays do have Edwin Jackson out there on the market. But the idea that all it would take is Broussard could be a little far-fetched. Remember, Jackson is out of options, but is pegged for Tampa's rotation next year. Broussard could possibly be non-tendered. My sources in Tampa Bay wouldn't rule out the possibility, but it might take more than Broussard. Remember, the Rays need a catcher. Broussard and Rob Johnson? What do you think? I think that's a hefty price for a back-of-the-rotation guy who looks brilliant one start, mediocre the next, and horrible the next time after that.

But again, at least we're not talking Rafael Soriano for Jackson.

As for Sexson, I'm getting lots of laughter and shoulder shrugs from MLB officials whenever I mention his name. As far as the Giants being a possible suitor, GM Brian Sabean has told people he's not interested in bringing in any more veteran players to fill holes. If he did, it would have to be an impact player. Sexson might have been thought of that way once, but it's doubtful he's seen that way now. I wouldn't bite too hard on those rumors just yet.

For Patrick in the comments section, no, the Cubs have zero interest in Sexson. And I put the question directly to the same source I referenced on Ibanez. Hope that helps. Sorry.

We're not meeting with Bavasi in his suite until 8 p.m., so it will be a while before we can ask him about trades, Jose Guillen, and other stuff. In the meantime, I've got another long lobby hike ahead of me. The photo below shows you how cavernous the inside of this place is. I've got about two of those giant indoor atriums/hallways/spaces to cover before getting back to where many of these movers and shakers are hanging out.

The annual winter meetings have been taking place all morning here and the only deal to report is a minor one involving the Arizona Diamondbacks trading outfielder Carlos Quentin to the White Sox for minor leaguer Chris Carter. No, that Carter doesn't catch passes. Nor is he the X-files creator. Like I said, there's been limited action here thus far.

More importantly, for Seattle fans, there's a report out there that the Mariners have backed out of the Johan Santana sweepstakes. I've been trying to confirm it for a while, now. My sources in Minneapolis have yet to tell me this is the case, though the general question being asked in the hallways here is "were the Mariners ever really in it?''

Speaking of hallways, the photo above is of the main mezzanine level where all the print and television media gathers. If it looks a little sparse, it's because the Gaylord Opryland resort and convention center is so darned big.

I'll show you some more photos of what this place is truly like a little later on. Some have called it an indoor theme park. Others, in less flattering terms, have described it as "Disneyland for Hicks''. Either way, it's truly a bizarre place. Massive. Tough to navigate.

The Mariners entourage didn't arrive here until 11 p.m. or so last night, their connecting flight from Chicago delayed several hours by rain. Mariners manager John McLaren is holding court with Lou Piniella in one of the many hotel lobbies in this place, but GM Bill Bavasi is out of sight. Literally, not metaphorically.

Bavasi has his work cut out for him here. I tend to believe that the M's have pulled back from talks, given how the battle for Santana appears to be coming down to a two-team dogfight between the Red Sox and Yankees. The hallways are buzzing here about Boston's decision to include Jacoby Ellsbury in their offer. The Yankees have supposedly set a deadline for day's end to get a deal done. But I wouldn't read too much into that. They say a lot and then change their stance very quickly.

Where does that leave the M's? We'll see. I hear a lot of talk about lesser deals, like going after Tampa Bay starter Edwin Jackson. My sources in Tampa Bay say he's projected as a fourth or fifth starter down there at best (not surprising, considering the recent Matt Garza acquisition by the Rays). Jackson is out of options and the team is running out of patience waiting for him to put it all together.

So, he can be had cheap, right? Hold on there. Apparently not. The Rays, according to one source, may be asking very high at this stage. Remember, the market for starters has yet to be established. Teams are usually loathe to be the first ones to set it, especially for lesser tier guys. Santana is one thing. Edwin Jackson quite another. I mean, look at his numbers. Small sample in the big leagues, but, at age 24, nothing to write home about yet. You could argue his ERA last season was quite Horacio Ramirez-like.

Matt Clement? A nice reclammation project. If I hear more on that, I'll let you know. It's safe to assume the M's will be in on just about any pitcher worth having here. But one thing I can tell you, if they balk at going after Santana, I don't really see them bidding for Erik Bedard either. Not the way the Orioles do business. I'll poke around and see if I can come up with more.

But as of right now, nobody is talking about the M's and Santana. For some of you, that's good news. Others, not so much.