Numerous teams looking into Nick Franklin's availability
Though Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said the race is still wide open, the team appears to be leaning in the direction of Brad Miller as the starting shortstop with opening day looming. That leaves Nick Franklin as a potential odd man out, and CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports numerous teams are ready to pounce if the Mariners decide to make him available via trade.
According to the report, the Tigers are looking into Franklin to fill their shortstop vacancy, but they aren't alone. The Mets, Rays and Orioles are also showing interest in the 23-year-old, who is batting .253/.333/.412 in the spring.
At this point, it is not clear if any team has approached the Mariners regarding Franklin's availability. He was rated the No. 79 prospect in the game a year ago by Baseball America, and acquitted himself decently at the major-league level. He hit .225/.303/.382 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI in 102 games for the Mariners, albeit in one of the league's toughest ballparks.
