Mariners
M's close to Aurilia exit?

By Bob Finnigan
Seattle Times staff reporter

Rich Aurilia

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TORONTO — The Mariners have stepped up their efforts to trade Rich Aurilia, according to a source in the Seattle organization, and could have the veteran shortstop off their roster in the next few days.

If the team can't trade Aurilia, it may be prepared to release him and eat the remainder of his $3.1 million contract.

It would be the second major change for the Mariners, who traded Freddy Garcia to the Chicago White Sox 10 days ago.

Aurilia was 3 for 4 last night and is batting .246, almost 40 points below his career average entering 2004. He has four home runs and 28 runs batted in.

Ostensibly, Aurilia, 32, would make room for outfielder Raul Ibanez, who is expected to rejoin the team tomorrow in Chicago after his current rehabilitation option in Class AAA Tacoma.

Seattle officials also might consider optioning out young infielder Justin Leone. But sources said rules prohibit Leone's return to the club for 10 days, which would interfere with plans to play him more after next week's All-Star break.

While Aurilia started last night, Leone is expected to start at shortstop tonight.

There could be some interest from National League clubs. Aurilia hit .316 in interleague games at NL parks.

In late May, there was talk that San Francisco was asking about bringing back the infielder, who was a standout shortstop for them from 1996 to 2003.
 
But the Mariners, who signed Aurilia as a free agent in January, backed away from the deal, and the Giants replaced Neifi Perez with Deivi Cruz, who ended their search by batting .320.

Bob Finnigan: 206-464-8276 or bfinnigan@seattletimes.com