Ex-Mariners Lefty Washburn Ready to Call It Quits?

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported Tuesday that the New York Yankees contacted former Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn to gauge his interest in returning to baseball after a year off.

Apparently, Washburn isn't interested in a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, so talks didn't go far with the Yankees.

Sherman reported that the Yankees contacted the Mariners during the 2009 season about a trade, but the Yankees were unwilling to part with outfield prospect Austin Jackson.

So where does that leave Washburn?

Last offseason, his agent, Scott Boras, was seeking a lucrative one-year deal for the 36-year-old. He had an offer from the Minnesota Twins for one year at $5 million, but turned it down.

The Mariners apparently have had no contact with Washburn this offseason. It appears he is ready to retire unless he finds the perfect situation. He said last winter that he preferred to pitch for the Mariners or the Twins.

Seattle PI Sports blog