Mariners decide Pineiro is expendable

The Seattle Mariners cut ties with former starting pitcher Joel Pineiro, choosing not to offer the right-hander a contract for 2007 before Tuesday’s deadline, general manager Bill Bavasi said.

Pineiro becomes a free agent, able to negotiate with any team.

The 28-year-old Pineiro was 8-13 last season, with a 6.36 ERA. Pineiro started the season in the rotation, but was later moved to the bullpen. Pineiro appeared in a career-high 40 games, and made 25 starts, going 7-12 with a 6.62 ERA when starting.

Pineiro’s best season came in 2002, when he went 14-7 with a 3.24 ERA. He was 16-11 the following year, but was just 21-35 over the last three seasons.

Pineiro was Seattle’s 12th-round pick in the 1997 June draft, and spent his entire career in the M’s organization. He has a career record of 58-55, with a 4.48 ERA.

Astros acquire Jennings

The Houston Astros acquired right-hander Jason Jennings and pitcher Miguel Asencio from the Colorado Rockies for outfielder Willy Taveras and pitchers Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsh.

Jennings was 9-13 with a 3.78 ERA last season for the Rockies. He is eligible to become a free agent after next season.

Also, first baseman Jeff Bagwell, 38, the team’s career leader in home runs and RBIs, is expected to announce his retirement by the end of the week.

Rangers sign Gagne

Reliever Eric Gagne and the Texas Rangers reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract worth about $6 million.

Gagne, the 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner, must pass a physical before the contract can be finalized.

Also, Texas finalized a $6 million, one-year deal with outfielder Kenny Lofton.

Braves bid Giles adieu

The Atlanta Braves cut ties to Marcus Giles, deciding they could no longer afford the second baseman.

The Braves pushed hard to trade Giles during the winter meetings, but couldn’t work out a deal, so they declined to tender him a contract for 2007.

“Other players who weren’t offered contracts were: New York Mets right-hander Victor Zambrano; Los Angeles Angels reliever Jason Bulger; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Guiel; Detroit Tigers outfielder Alexis Gomez; and St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel and reliever Jorge Sosa.

Clearing the bases

Infielder Jeff Cirillo and the Minnesota Twins reached preliminary agreement on a $1.5 million, one-year contract. … Outfielder Matt Stairs and infielder Jason Smith agreed to contracts with the Toronto Blue Jays. … The Philadelphia Phillies acquired left-hander Bobby Livingston from Tampa Bay for cash. … Former St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Tommy Herr was hired by the Washington Nationals as the manager of Class A Hagerstown. … Reliever David Weathers agreed to a $5 million, two-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds. … Boston Red Sox outfielder Gabe Kapler retired after nine major league seasons to start a managerial career with the team’s Class A farm team in Greenville, S.C. … The New York Mets agreed to a $1.25 million, one-year contract with lefty starter Dave Williams. … Colorado Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba agreed to a $1,075,000, one-year contract. … St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Aaron Miles agreed to a $1 million, one-year deal. … The San Diego Padres agreed to a $650,000, one-year contract with outfielder Jose Cruz, Jr.