But team is not confirming that a deal is completed
By Jim Street / MLB.com
First baseman Richie Sexson is still being pursued by the Baltimore Orioles. (Roy Dabner/AP)
ANAHEIM -- Persistence might finally pay off for the Mariners in their pursuit of a run-producing free agent hitter at the Winter Meetings.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported on its Web site Sunday night that the Mariners had reached a contract agreement with free agent slugger Richie Sexson. The newspaper, citing an anonymous team official, did not have details of the agreement, which it said was contingent upon Sexson passing a physical exam.
Several Major League sources told MLB.com on Sunday night that the Mariners were on the verge of signing Sexson to a multiyear contract and one agent said the deal already had been completed.
But a Mariners official said nothing has been finalized.
Sexson, who grew up in Vancouver, Wash., would definitely upgrade an offense that finished last in home runs and runs scored in the American League last season. The 6-foot-8 Sexson has hit 200 home runs -- including 45 in 2001 and 2003 -- during his six-plus Major League seasons.
Last season in Arizona, he was limited to just 23 games, however, because of a shoulder injury.
Getting a bonafide home run threat under contract definitely would provide a boost to an organization that came to the four-day Winter Meetings with the wherewithal (and cash) to spend on a top-of-the-line free agent.
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