Show me the money

This is the day arbitration-eligible players and teams must exchange salary figures, and the Mariners have three to deal with — closer David Aardsma, reliever Brandon League and starter Jason Vargas.

Look for the team to reach agreements with those players eventually because the Mariners have avoided arbitration hearings the past decade like a pennant race. OK, that was cruel, but you get the idea. What’s important is where the 2011 salaries for Aardsma, League and Vargas will put the payroll this year, and how much room it’ll leave for that starting pitcher or big bopper the Mariners still could use.

Mariners president Chuck Armstrong has said the payroll won’t change from the $94 million of 2010. According to most estimates, once the three arbitration players are dealt with (Aardsma made $2.75 million, League $1.0875 million and Vargas $412,500), there won’t be much money left for additional moves if the Mariners hope to stay at $94 millioin.

So don’t get too antsy about a big mid-winter acquisition, or even a middling pickup. More likely, we’ll see some minor league signings — if that — and a couple of non-roster invites to spring training. Forget Vlad Guerrero or Manny Ramirez; it’s more likely we’ll see guys like minor league catcher Steven Baron and pitcher Blake Beavan on the invite list.