"No urgency" for Mariners to move Nick Franklin

Despite constantly-swirling trade rumors surrounding Mariners infielder Nick Franklin, one source with knowledge of the team's thinking says that there is "no urgency" to move the 23-year old. While recent reports have indicated  that the team is in discussions with multiple teams about moving Franklin, it appears as though they would be comfortable keeping him as well.

As Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has reported, the Rays, Mets and Orioles have been among the teams that have shown strong interest in Franklin in recent weeks. A deal between the M's and Rays was reportedly close at one point, and the Mets have remained interested since initially discussing a deal at the Winter Meetings in December. With Seattle signing Robinson Cano to play second base and Brad Miller the likely candidate to be the team's starting shortstop, Franklin is an expendable commodity for the Mariners as they look to make improvements elsewhere.

The Tigers, who appear to be losing shortstop Jose Iglesias for most of the season, could also theoretically make a run at either Franklin or Miller if they decide against signing free agent Stephen Drew. At this stage, it would seem that the addition of Drew is the more likely scenario for the Tigers, who are in "win-now" mode after reaching the ALCS last season.

Despite all the interest, a Franklin trade doesn't seem like a given at this point. The possibility of the M's holding onto him is still a legitimate one.