Though he prefers playing center field, Randy Winn would be willing to move to left. (John Froschauer/AP)
When Randy Winn signed a three-year contract with the Mariners prior to last season, he had every intention of honoring it and still does.
He wants the Mariners to feel the same way but isn't completely convinced they do.
"One of the first things I told my wife at the end of the season was that there could be some trade rumors and I might get traded," the veteran outfielder said Tuesday from his home in Tampa, Fla. "I have kind of grown accustomed to [rumors], but I knew it would be something new to her."
There has been a smattering of Winn trade rumors in the Hot Stove League -- the hottest one involving a potential swap to the Mets for shortstop Kaz Matsui, but it never happened and probably won't.
Even so, friends and family have called to inquire about the rumors.
Several factors make Winn attractive to other teams. He's a switch-hitter with some power, runs well and plays two of the three outfield positions. He also is signed for two more years for nearly $4 million a season -- a bargain these days.
The Mariners might entertain offers that include a starting pitcher because they have good depth in the outfield. The list includes rookie Jeremy Reed, who did a fine job last September, running down balls hit into the gaps and batting .397 in 18 games. Jamal Strong and Chris Snelling are two other young players getting close to the big leagues.
Randy Winn / CF
Born: 06/09/74
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 195 lbs
Bats: S / Throws: R
"I'm not surprised to hear [his name mentioned in trade talk]," Winn said. "I kind of expected it, and it still could happen. I could be traded. I figured the way the team played last season, there were two ways [management] could go.
"They could go out and spend some money, or they could go younger. Either way, if certain moves were made, there was a possibility of me being traded."
As the offseason reaches the holidays, Winn remains with a Mariners team that has been bolstered with the recent additions of first baseman Richie Sexson and third baseman Adrian Beltre.
Following the recent press conference introducing Beltre to the Seattle media, general manager Bill Bavasi suggested that Winn would return to left field next season, Reed would play center field and Raul Ibanez would switch from left field to designated hitter.
That's an arrangement Winn said he could easily live with, although center field remains his favorite position. Being in the same lineup as power hitters like Sexson and Beltre and batting behind Ichiro again makes staying in Seattle all the more inviting.
"I have really been happy with what's going on," Winn said. "The organization set some goals going into the offseason and the first goal was to improve the offense, which has been accomplished. Those two guys speak for themselves."
Speaking for himself, the switch-hitter said he hasn't "officially" heard about the possibility of him moving back to left field -- a position he played superbly in 2003, his first season with the Mariners after coming to Seattle in a "trade" for manager Lou Piniella.
Winn still hasn't spoken to new manager Mike Hargrove. "We've been playing phone tag."
"I have nothing against going back [to left field]," Winn added. "I have played it before so it's not foreign to me. I'll just have to wait until Spring Training and see what happens. I'll know for sure when the manager writes down the lineup."
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Randy Winn / CF
