M's entering the lion's den with trade talks

Whether it's by trade or free-agent gambit, the Mariners' hopes of acquiring much-needed pitching may hinge upon agent Scott Boras.

Boras, who did not respond to a call for comment, represents Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn — who, along with Scott Elarton, are the free-agent starting pitchers Seattle is most interested.

The hard-bargaining agent also turns out to be the man in the middle of the Mariners' chances of dealing outfielder Jeremy Reed to Boston for pitching.

The Boston Globe reported Tuesday that in case the Red Sox were unable to re-sign Johnny Damon, the Red Sox spoke with Seattle about swapping pitcher Matt Clement for Reed.

An East Coast source confirmed yesterday those preliminary discussions had taken place.

The Red Sox are eyeing Reed because they have no one in the organization capable of defending the big, tricky center field at Fenway Park. But they do have a surplus of starting pitching, for which Seattle is desperate.

Boras represents Damon, who has played a solid center field for Boston the past four seasons, and seemingly is at an impasse in negotiations to return.

While Boston officials this week declared their intention to bring back Damon, their current offer is $40 million for four years, up from $29 million for three years, and Boras reportedly has made $66 million over seven seasons his target.

"They may get it done. Last year, Boras and Boston were far apart on [Jason] Varitek and they got that done," said an East Coast baseball official of the $40 million deal for four years. "But right now it doesn't look real good. And don't forget the Yankees haven't been heard from yet."

The Yankees, who have stated their belief that Bubba Crosby can play center, supposedly have not followed up a declared interest in Damon with an offer.

If Damon does not wind up back in Boston or somewhere else — the Dodgers could also get involved now that they've dealt Milton Bradley — there is a fit with Seattle.

The Mariners do have a tenuous fallback to replace Reed in center, but it would require having Ichiro move from right field. He played center field in Japan and in the 2005 All-Star Game, and has said he would be willing to move.

Clement, with a big fastball and nasty slider, would be a welcome addition to the Mariners' thin rotation. That is, assuming his second-half falloff last season is not a lingering issue, and there are no after-effects from being hit in the head by a line drive off the bat of Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford on July 26.

"He didn't really seem to be the same pitcher in the last part of the season he was earlier," said a National League scout, whose coverage includes Boston. "Really, it seemed he wasn't the same after he got hit in the head. He really got belted."

Clement's troubles began before being injured. He was 10-2 with a 3.85 earned-run average in the first half and made the All-Star team. But he was just 3-4 with a 5.62 ERA in the second half, allowing 22 runs in four starts before being hit.

"I don't know if he got tired or not," the NL scout said. "The slider wasn't the same as earlier in the year."

Complicating things a bit from the Seattle side is that Clement, a seven-year veteran, will make about $18 million the next two years.

"You know, the Sox are loaded with good starters and starting prospects," the scout said. "It doesn't have to be Clement. If he's right, he'd be a good one. But there are others. Whether they'd part with any of them is another thing."

Most clubs covet Bronson Arroyo, who was a down-the-rotation starter for the Red Sox, has a great sinker and doesn't make much money. Two others are prospects Jon Lester, a left-hander, and John Papelbon.

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