There was some speculation that the Mariners may make a push to sign Reds utility player Jerry Hairston to a free agent contract. But that appears to be done now as Mark Sheldon of MLB.com is reporting that Hairston has agreed to a one-year deal to stay with the Reds.

He also mentioned that the Reds may try to make Hairston their starting shortstop, which may be the main reason why Hairston decided to stay in Cincy.

Tyler Walker, a 32-year-old right-handed reliever who appeared in 65 games last season with San Francisco, has signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.

"Tyler is a pitcher we had identified early on as a guy who could help us in the bullpen," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "He has the ability to pitch in any role: middle relief, set-up and he has experience as a closer."

Walker has a 20-17 career record in relief with a 4.52 earned run average.

After undergoing 'Tommy John' elbow surgery in 2006, he missed most of the next season - then worked 53 innings last year with the Giants.

Walker had a career-high 19 holds in 2008, and struck out 49 batters while walking only 21.

He's also registered 34 career saves, which immediately makes him a ninth-inning option.

“Closing? That’s not up to me. That’s the ideal spot to be, the only guy who’s ever happy in the bullpen. He’s pitching when you’re winning. We’ll see how it pans out,” Walker said. “I’ve pitched every inning of a game, including the 14th.”

Happy New Year. Six days in, how are those resolutions holding up?

If, like some of us, you took on a serious task with the New Year – like becoming a kinder, gentler sportswriter or quitting smoking – you’ve probably already broken rank and returned to sober mortality.

For anyone whose made and already broken a resolution, here’s a chance to get back on the plus side.

For one day – today – resolve only to write something positive about the Seattle Mariners.

Take a moment and spend it in quiet reflection, then give us your best. Be Polyanna for a day. Maybe it’s one player. Maybe it’s the ballpark. Maybe it’s something only you appreciate about this team.

Like all resolutions, this one can be broken tomorrow.

But today, let’s fill the blogosphere with, like, positivity, dude.