And the rumors continued to grow Tuesday at Baseball's winter meetings.

The latest trade rumor floated by ESPN was that Putz could be traded to Milwaukee in a package deal for slugging first baseman Prince Fielder.

That, however, was quickly dispelled by Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik.

"Is that right?" said Zduriencik, smiling upon hearing that talk. "I wouldn't comment on if I would make that deal. We haven't talked about that. Honestly, there has not been a discussion about those two players related to each other."

Brewers GM Doug Melvin wouldn't elaborate on which players were discussed, but when asked if there were any possible matches with the players, he said, "I don't think so, at this point."

Besides confirming he talked to the Brewers, Zduriencik had discussions with the St. Louis Cardinals about Putz but hinted that they were preliminary, like all of his talks Tuesday.

"We certainly had discussions with clubs today, but because of the agenda, there were other things on the docket that were more business-related," he said. "There were other things we did besides focus on players. Maybe today was a regrouping day, if you will, step back and listen to what people have to say. Every day is a productive day, but sometimes it becomes the ground floor for something to take place. Today was just a discussion day, if you will."

It doesn't seem as though any of Zduriencik's comments will stop Putz from having discussions with his friends.

"They keep calling me and telling me they heard this rumor or that rumor about me being traded," Putz said from his home in Phoenix.

He is trying to stay away from scanning the internet for more information. Why drive himself crazy with speculation?

"Really, it's out of my control," Putz said.

Instead, Putz will continue to work out in Peoria, Ariz., at the Mariners' spring training complex because, unless something changes, that's his team and that's where he wants to be.

"Do I love it in Seattle and would love to stay there? Yes," he said. "My family loves it there. I love it there."

Still, Putz has been made aware that many teams have contacted Zduriencik about acquiring him in a trade.

"It's nice to be wanted," Putz said. "It's nice to know that teams think you have value."

At this point, the team that has the most interest is the team he grew up rooting for as a kid in Trenton, Mich.

"If you would have told me 20 years ago I had chance to pitch for the Tigers, I would have said, 'Heck, yeah,' " Putz said. "But I've been with the Mariners my whole career and it's where I want to be."'

But Putz also understands that the Mariners have serious needs to fill after last season's 101 loss campaign. And that means possibly trading one of their most popular players.

"Sure, I understand," he said. "They have to do what's best for the organization, and if trading me to get back some guys in return that will help this team win, then so be it."

The Tigers and Mariners have had discussions the past two days at the Bellagio Resort & Casino about making a trade for Putz. Sources say the Mariners are asking for at least two or three players for Putz, with outfielder Matt Joyce and first baseman Jeff Larish included in the deal.

With free agent Kerry Wood, another closer the Tigers looked into acquiring, close to signing with the Cleveland Indians, the push for Detroit to acquire Putz probably intensifies.

Zduriencik is in a position of power because he seems more than happy to keep Putz if the right deal isn't out there.

"I would be extremely happy about having J.J. as our closer," Zduriencik said. "He's our closer right now and, unless something dramatic happens, that is going to be the case."

If Putz were to be traded, the Mariners would be without a closer. A year ago, the solution would have been simple - slide Brandon Morrow into that spot. But much has changed. Even after a successful stint as interim closer when Putz was hurt, Morrow began his transition to starting late last season. As expected, there were ups and downs, but Morrow feels he did enough in that month-long audition to stay as a starter.

"I think we are past that point and I'll stay a starter," he said.

Zduriencik said Monday that he viewed Morrow as a starter and planned for him to come to spring training as a starter.

But he also admitted personnel plans can always change.

"I do think that any type of player moves, whether it be signing someone, or trading someone, or bringing someone in, whatever you do to improve your ballclub, has a domino effect, no question about it,'' Zduriencik said.

Morrow, who said he hadn't been following the Putz rumors, didn't say he would refuse to go back to the bullpen, or that he would put up a big stink if he were asked to. But it's clear he wants to remain a starter.

"I guess I would have to do it," he said. "But it would be disappointing for myself because I felt I proved that I could be a starter."

Morrow briefly met with Zduriencik and new manager Don Wakamatsu a few weeks back and his role was never really discussed.

"I would just like to know before spring training what I'm doing," Morrow said.

If they ask him to be the closer, Morrow will accept the role.

"I don't know that I'd have a choice," he said.

Of course, all of it is just a possibility based on another possibility based on rumors. And Putz is tired of the rumors.

"I finally told my friends to stop listening to the radio," Putz said. "If something happens, I'll tell you myself."

Ryan Divish: 253-597-8483

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