Like everyone else, Morrow waits for trade to be completed

The players have taken their physical exams but we just got word that the Brandon Morrow trade to the Blue Jays won’t be announced tonight. So, like in fishing, we’ll get back at it tomorrow morning.

Spoke briefly a few minutes ago with Morrow, who’s still in Florida after a long day of travel from Arizona and physical exams and contemplating what the rest of his professional life will be like.

“There’s really not much I can say at this point. I know as much as you,” he said. “I took the physical and we’re still waiting. I know there’s no problem on this end.”

Morrow said the Blue Jays haven’t said anything about what role he’d fill on the pitching staff next year.

Morrow said he learned about the trade Monday night when he was told he’d be flying to Florida for the exam today. Was he surprised? Uh, no. Since the Mariners drafted him in 2006, it seems some team has tried to pry him .

“I see what’s on the internet and I have friends who tell me what they see,” he said.

The trade rumors were especially heavy this offseason, and Morrow was mentioned in early reports of the Cliff Lee trade last week with the Phillies. In some aspect, maybe that’s true because the Blue Jays were involved in that deal. However, a person connected with that trade told me that the Phillies were interested in replenishing their minor league depth and never asked the Mariners for anyone off the major league roster. The Mariners sent three minor leaguers — Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies and Juan Ramirez — to the Phillies.

As for the pending Morrow trade to the Jays, there’s no indication that something unexpected, like a failed physical exam or cold feet, has happened. It’s more a case of all the blood work still being handled and final approvals needing to be made.

So, at least for one more day, Morrow remains a Mariner while reliever Brandon League and Class A outfielder Johermyn Chavez are still officially Blue Jays.