Sources: M's, Saunders reach deal

The Seattle Mariners aren't just focused on locking up ace right-hander Felix Hernandez with a seven-year, $175 million contract. The team also has reached agreement with free-agent left-hander Joe Saunders on a one-year deal, according to major-league sources. The deal is pending a physical, sources said. Saunders, 31, will replace lefty Jason Vargas, whom the Mariners traded to the Los Angeles Angels in December for first baseman/DH Kendrys Morales. The Baltimore Orioles were among the other teams that had interest in Saunders, whose initial desire was for a three-year deal. Saunders began last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks before getting traded to Baltimore for reliever Matt Lindstrom on Aug. 26. An eight-year veteran, Saunders finished the season 9-13 with a 4.07 ERA in 174 2/3 innings. He is 78-65 with a 4.15 ERA lifetime.