Mariners Scouting Marlon Byrd

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that the Seattle Mariners recently scouted Phillies right fielder Marlon Byrd.

Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times is now reporting that the Mariners have had serious discussions with the Phillies about acquiring Byrd.

CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury has reported that the Mariners (along with the Royals, Blue Jays and Rays) are on Byrd's no-trade list, but Byrd has already indicated that he'd be willing to waive his no-trade clause to head to Seattle.

The 36-year-old has slugged 18 homers and driven in 52 runs this season while sporting a .261 batting average.  He's in the first year of a two-year, $16 million contract with the Phillies.

The Phillies are pretty much in full sell mode and if they can get an attractive piece for Byrd, that would be a nice first step to rebuilding this team.  Last year, Byrd was traded from New York to Pittsburgh for Dilson Herrera and  Vic Black.  Black has turned out to be a very serviceable arm in the Mets bullpen this season with a 1.83 ERA.  So far in 19 innings he has 22 strikeouts in 29 games.

Herrera is a 20 year old second base prospect, and is having a fine season, recently promoted to double-A ball.

If the Phillies could get a similar package for Byrd, consider it a win for Ruben Amaro Jr.