Teams are possibly after Winn, Villone, Guardado

The Mariners' weakness this season has paradoxically put them in a position of strength at the trade deadline. As one of the few non-contending teams with numerous coveted players to trade, and a grudging willingness to do so — for an unwaveringly high price tag, by all accounts — they are proving quite popular as Sunday's 1 p.m. (Pacific time) deadline approaches.

Major-league executives and scouts say the Yankees, Red Sox, Astros, Mets, Phillies and possibly Indians are among teams that have shown persistent interest in Mariners players.

Outfielder Randy Winn remains at the forefront of rumors, with the Red Sox and Cardinals joining the fray as the Yankees' interest may be cooling. The Yankees had eyed Winn as a center-field replacement for Bernie Williams. Now they have reportedly decided if they picked up Winn, it would be as a left fielder, with Hideki Matsui moving to center. Meanwhile, injuries to St. Louis' Reggie Sanders and Larry Walker and Boston's Trot Nixon have those teams investigating Winn.

The Angels are also an interesting trade possibility for the Mariners, with general manager Bill Stoneman telling the Los Angeles Times he is not averse to dealing within the division — a philosophy Mariners GM Bill Bavasi is believed to hold as well.

The Angels are known to have interest in left-handed reliever Ron Villone, as do numerous teams. The Angels' desire for left-handed relief help might also include Mariners closer Eddie Guardado. They are also looking for a top-notch starter, which could bring them to Gil Meche (pending further word on last night's shoulder tightness) or, less likely, Jamie Moyer, who has complete trade-veto rights.

The Mariners are said to be asking a high price for all their players, hoping that the feeding frenzy of numerous teams with playoff aspirations seeking help from a relatively small pool will ultimately force teams to meet their demands.

Sources say that goes especially for Meche, Raul Ibanez (the Cardinals reportedly have interest), Guardado (Red Sox, Nationals, White Sox, Mets, Angels, Phillies) and J.J. Putz, who are highly coveted around baseball.

The Mariners are not motivated to deal any of those players unless they're knocked over by an offer. In all deals, they are said to seek players who will be major-league ready by next season.

The Phillies are among teams that have scouted Mariners starters Moyer, Meche and Joel Pineiro.

Meanwhile, the Mariners, in addition to canvassing the majors, have their own scouts spread out around the minor leagues, appraising talent on numerous Class AA and Class AAA ballclubs. The goal is to be ready to make instant judgments on possible prospects offered in 11th-hour deals Sunday.

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com