Zduriencik’s search for bat – and pitching – continues

Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik said he couldn’t comment on the Jason Bay situation on Wednesday evening, as no official announcement has come yet from the club despite reports the free-agent outfielder is close to agreement on a one-year deal.

But Zduriencik did acknowledge that the team continues looking for veteran outfielders and his description fit Bay.

“We said from the beginning if we could come up with a veteran player, preferably a corner outfielder or corner player, DH, a right-handed bat would be very helpful,” Zduriencik said. “It’s one of the things that has been on our agenda. It doesn’t limit us, but it’s certainly something we’ve kind of focused on.”

The Mariners remain in the hunt for an impact bat — with Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn and Josh Hamilton still the big fish on the market — but Zduriencik said he continues talking to agents and clubs about pitching as well.

“In the end, if you don’t get the offensive piece you’d like to have or it doesn’t fit or the cost is too high, you still try to do things to make the club better,” he said. “If settling on a pitcher this year is the thing to do, that’s not the wrong thing. Maybe it doesn’t fit exactly like you want, but we still have a young staff. Adding a piece to this staff would be good and we’re very open to that.”

Zduriencik said he met with several clubs and agents Wednesday and had more meetings scheduled for tonight.

“We’re just going to push forward and continue to explore every option,” he said. “If it leads to a road well taken for both parties, then hopefully something will get done. Otherwise, you just keep doing your work and hope something clicks.”

And if it doesn’t click by Thursday morning, when the Meetings end with the Rule 5 draft, he said the hunt will continue on through the coming days.