The Mariners May Already Be Out Of Money

Dec 12, 2013; Settle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (center) poses for a photo with Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik (left) and Seattle Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon (right) during a press conference at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

There are still several weeks left in the baseball shopping season, but the Seattle Mariners may already have maxed out their credit card. That is the indication coming from the people who control the Mariners’ purse strings.

Mariners officials are reportedly telling agents and other interested parties that the team has already reached its payroll limit. The payroll ceiling could be raised if the right player becomes available, but barring that, the Mariners won’t be spending any more big bucks this offseason.

Where has all the Mariners’ money gone? Most of it went to Robinson Cano. After giving Cano $240 million, the Mariners only had enough left to pick up some spare parts. Corey Hart. Logan Morrison. They re-signed Franklin Gutierrez.

Lofty plans for a true Mariners spending spree seem to have been placed on the back-burner. So don’t expect Nelson Cruz or David Price to wind up in Seattle.

The Mariners will have to roll with what they have. Which might be enough to compete in the AL West, but then again might not.

Looking at their present line-up? Robinson Cano had better have a monster year. Can he hit 50 homers and drive in about 140? That would be swell.

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