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Geoff Baker covers the Mariners for The Seattle Times. He provides daily coverage of the team throughout spring training, and during the season.

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December 1, 2008 12:17 PM

Ibanez offered arbitration; two coaches named

Posted by Geoff Baker

Raul Ibanez was, as expected, offered arbitration by the Mariners today. He has until Dec. 7 to accept or reject the offer. If he accepts, he and the team would negotiate towards a deal. If he rejects, as expected, the team would receive two Type A compensatory draft picks if he signs elsewhere. Miguel Cairo and Willie Bloomquist were not offered arbitration and can sign with anyone -- including the Mariners.

Ibanez has received a plethora of multi-year offers from other teams and will almost certainly leave to go to a contender.

As we told you last week, Ty Van Burkleo is the new Mariners bench coach. Ex-Mariner Lee Tinsley is also the new first base coach. The team will formally announce the moves within the hour.

The remainder of the staff should be named by Wednesday. Dom Chiti will be pitching coach and Rick Adair the bullpen coach. Thing is, the team needed to get permission to interview both from their respective teams and that takes time. The M's waited until after the holidays and now will get to it.

But Van Burkleo and Tinsley were already contacted, permission having been granted. That's why they will be announced shortly.

Photo Credit: Tony Dejak/AP

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