The Mariners managerial search hasn’t gotten serious yet and already there’s a new rumor to talk about – and in only begins with Bobby Valentine.

GM Jack Zduriencik hasn’t interviewed anyone yet, although he may start this weekend, but the Valentine rumor is an intriguing one.

The theory behind it?

If Zduriencik doesn’t have a clear-cut first choice to manage the team, he could get some persuasion from Japanese ownership on Valentine, who has managed in Japan for years.

The Japanese media has run the idea out there, and Mariners ownership has, on occasion, invoked the privledge that comes with saving a franchise. The signing of catcher Kenji Johjima to an extension – and the decree that Ichiro can’t be traded – are examples.

Would Japanese ownership make a demand on who to hire as a manager? It never has before, but it could be a story worth watching in the next few weeks.

No, nothing of import has happened here at the St. Regis resort yet, but rumors continue to float around and the business of baseball never sleeps.

Manny Ramirez and agent Scott Boras have floated an asking price for Manny’s services that begins at $27 million a season, and no one is certain he won’t get it. To put it in perspective, Milwaukee just re-signed center fielder Mike Cameron at $10 millon for one season.

San Diego is shopping ace Jake Peavy, but in trying to get their payroll down, they’ve also hinted that shortstop Khalil Green is available. Boston is offering the services of outfielder Coco Crisp.

Raul Ibanez can’t talk contract with another team until Nov. 14, but that hasn’t stopped the Cubs and Mets from telling him they’re interested. That doesn’t bode well for the Mariners keeping him.

Detroit is willing to listen to offers for outfielder Magglio Ordonez, and among the things the Tigers want is a closer – and the name of J.J. Putz has come up.

And here’s an note of interest: Kansas City has named former Mariner Miguel Olivo as its starting catcher in 2009.

Who knows? There may be more later in the day.

One of the joys of baseball is the stories it produces – whether they’re true or not, and certainly whether they’re politically incorrect.

This morning off the main lobby at the GM meetings, this one made the rounds about legendary baseball character Rocky Bridges, and reportedly occurred when he was managing the team in Everett.

It was spring training, and Bridges showed up leaner than he’d been the previous season. Naturally, he was asked about his weight loss.

“I found a diet drink, Metrical,” Bridges said. “And I drank three or four 16- ounce glasses a day. I mixed it a little, two parts Metrical, one part Vodka.”

And the results?

“I lost 20 pounds – and my drivers license,” Bridges replied.