Ramirez a Mariner? An unlikely proposition

The Mariners are not talking with the Boston Red Sox about slugger Manny Ramirez, and it is unlikely they will do so.

The Boston Herald reported Wednesday that Ramirez, who has requested a trade from the Red Sox because his family is uncomfortable in Boston, said he would like to go to either the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim or the Mariners.

The story, which created a buzz on local sports-talk radio, has not created any real interest within the Mariners organization.

While team officials do not comment publicly on personnel matters, one expressed a complete lack of knowledge of Ramirez's interest in Seattle.

"No one has had any talks with the Red Sox about Manny," the official said. "Actually, we have no idea what was in any paper back in Boston."

Having signed catcher Kenji Johjima earlier this week, the Mariners are focused on acquiring pitching and some left-handed offense.

And even if the Red Sox included a significant part of Ramirez's salary — $57 million over the next three seasons — Seattle would likely pass because of its commitment to improving its pitching rotation.

To that end, team officials have spoken with representatives of as many as a dozen free-agent pitchers.