Source: M's leading contender to land Weaver  —  In a blow to the World Series champion Cardinals, the Mariners have emerged as the front-runners for free-agent right-hander Jeff Weaver, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Weaver, 31, is deciding whether to push for a one or two-year deal, according to a source close to the negotiations.

Pirates likely left out of Weaver mix  —  Free-agent pitcher looks set to sign with Seattle  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Scratch Jeff Weaver, too?  —  The Pirates' ongoing pursuit of a right-handed starter appears to have produced another swing and miss …

Lefty Rhodes winds his way back to Mariners  —  Hoping to bolster starting pitching, Seattle also pursuing Weaver, Redman  —  The Mariners reached into their past Thursday by signing veteran left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes.  At the same time, the club was trying to close in on a deal with right-handed starter Jeff Weaver.

Paid at a market rate  —  Willie, front office agree that managing in NY is worth a premium  —  It took Willie Randolph and the Mets nearly three months to complete a three-year extension.  There were differences of opinion about both years and dollars, and the two sides finally found enough common ground late last week.

Sanchez has MRI on shoulder  —  Results show inflammation, tendinitis, but no structural damage  —  MIAMI — After experiencing some discomfort in his throwing shoulder, Marlins right-hander Anibal Sanchez underwent a precautionary MRI on Monday, a source confirmed to MLB.com Thursday.