Originally published Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 6:55 PM

Mariners Notebook | Erik Bedard still wants to return

The left-hander visited the team's clubhouse after surgery Friday to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder

Seattle Times staff reporter

Erik Bedard was back in the Mariners' clubhouse Saturday, wearing a shoulder brace and sling after surgery Friday on his left shoulder. Angels team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum repaired a torn labrum.

Bedard can't resume baseball activity for a minimum of four to six months.

He will be a free agent after the season, and surgery has changed his status dramatically. He probably will be unable to pitch at the beginning of next season.

Asked if he would like to return to the Mariners next season, he said, "Yeah, I would."

Bedard said he hasn't talked with general manager Jack Zduriencik about returning.

He said there is a sense of relief after the surgery.

"Yeah, just to know what's wrong with it, get it taken care of, and move on from there."

M's agree with

first-round pick

Nick Franklin, the second of two first-round draft picks by the Mariners, agreed to a $1.28 million signing bonus. He worked out with the club and took batting practice at Safeco Field.

Franklin, a switch-hitting high-school shortstop from Altamonte Springs, Fla., was the 27th overall draft pick.

Tom McNamara, the Mariners' amateur scouting director, declined to comment on the status of negotiations with No. 2 overall pick Dustin Ackley, a college outfielder and first baseman from North Carolina. Monday night is the deadline to reach agreement with this year's draft picks.