M's Ibanez, two others file for free agency

By Associated Press

Summary

Miguel Cairo and Willie Bloomquist also file; Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik has acknowledged he has a big decision to make on how hotly to pursue Ibanez.

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Story Published: Oct 31, 2008 at 11:49 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 3:52 AM PST

M's Ibanez, two others file for free agency

Raul Ibanez hits a three-run home run in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008, at Safeco Field in Seattle.

SEATTLE (AP) - Leading RBI producer Raul Ibanez heads the list of three Mariners who have field for free agency.

Seattle also announced Friday that it activated infielder-outfielder Mike Morse from the 60-day disabled list. Morse had shoulder surgery after an injury in a game on April 13.

Utility reserve Willie Bloomquist and veteran infielder Miguel Cairo also filed for free agency this week.

New Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik has acknowledged he has a big decision to make on how hotly to pursue Ibanez. Zduriencik says he knows how good a player the 36-year-old outfielder has been and how popular he has been in Seattle.

Ibanez has said he likes Seattle but also wants to be on a competitive team.

The Mariners' roster is at 39 players, one short of the league maximum.