Free agency has begun, but before the Mariners can set their sights on any potential free-agent signings, their first order of business is still trying to find a new manager.

Once the managerial position is filled, the Mariners have plenty of work to do to improve the club, which lost 101 games last season while finishing next to last in the American League in runs scored.

That's why the Mariners are likely to focus on solving their offensive woes through free agency. Three offensive players -- outfielder Willie Bloomquist, infielder Miguel Cairo and outfielder Raul Ibanez -- filed for free agency.

Of the three, Ibanez is the player the Mariners would love to have back. The left fielder has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the last four seasons and has driven in at least 100 runs in each of the last three seasons.

But it might be difficult to re-sign Ibanez because of his interest in playing for a contender. The 13-year veteran has made the playoffs just once in his career, and he's 36 years old. The Mariners, though, clearly want him back -- new general manager Jack Zduriencik reached out to Ibanez by telephone.

"It was a complimentary conversation out of respect, which he very well deserves," Zduriencik said. "I called him because of all the contributions he's made to this team and this city. We'll see where it goes from here."

If Ibanez isn't re-signed, one such player who could possibly fill the void in the outfield would be former Mariners star center fielder Ken Griffey Jr., who has said he'd be open to returning to Seattle.

However, Zduriencik wouldn't comment when e-mailed about potentially signing Griffey, so it's far from a sure thing.

Other players who could help the offense are free agents such as first baseman Jason Giambi, third baseman Joe Crede, outfielder Pat Burrell and outfielder Adam Dunn.

But don't expect the Mariners to make a play for high-priced stars such as CC Sabathia, Manny Ramirez or Mark Teixeira. The Mariners already have nine players signed to multiyear contracts totaling $77.35 million for the 2009 season.

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That leaves just $30-35 million for the rest of the 25-man roster, so the Mariners aren't expected to make an expensive multiyear signing of a star.

And don't discount the idea that Mariners could trade one of their high-priced players such as J.J. Putz, Jarrod Washburn or Adrian Beltre to bring in prospects and to trim a payroll that reached a club-record $120 million last season.

It could make for a very interesting offseason for the Mariners. The club is sure to see plenty of change, especially with a new general manager and manager at the helm next season.