M’s pitching prospects include Eaton

Three days into the free-agent shopping season, the Seattle Mariners have spoken with several agents in pursuit of their greatest need for 2007 – starting pitching.

Among those the Mariners have inquired about is right-hander Adam Eaton, the former Snohomish High School star who pitched last season for the Texas Rangers.

Eaton is one of three free-agent pitchers who the Mariners appear to have shown considerable interest in pursuing. Others are Jason Schmidt and Ted Lilly.

“The Mariners signed 10 minor league free agents Tuesday, including infielder Rey Ordonez, who played shortstop with the New York Mets, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Chicago Cubs.

Around the league

Mark DeRosa became the first major league free agent to switch teams this off-season, as the infielder agreed to a $13 million, three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. … The Boston Red Sox emerged as winners of the bidding for Daisuke Matsuzaka with a $51.1 million offer. The Red Sox have 30 days to sign the Japanese pitcher to a contract. … Orlando Hernandez and the Mets agreed to a $12 million, two-year contract. … The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox are negotiating to move their spring training bases to Glendale, Ariz., with the teams possibly sharing a stadium in the Phoenix suburb as early as 2008. … The Oakland Athletics unveiled grand plans to move south and build a long-awaited, state-of-the-art stadium they hope will soon transform the small-market club into a big spender. A’s general manager Billy Beane also plans to announce Oakland’s new manager by week’s end. … The Houston Astros hired Dave Wallace as their pitching coach, replacing the fired Jim Hickey.