Mariners, Yankees Open 2006 with Trade

The Stan Musial League champion Seattle Mariners began retooling for the 2006 season this evening by trading outfielder Wily Mo Pena to the New York Yankees for pitcher Jason Marquis. Pena, 23, was a platoon centerfielder for the Mariners last season, posting a promising .285 batting average with 26 home runs in 95 games.

Marquis, 26, went 8-13 with a 4.26 ERA for New York last season. Marquis is expected to contend for a rotation spot next month, but could wind up adding organizational depth at Tacoma.

"I'm surprised by the deal, but happy to be heading to a contender," Marquis told the New York Times. "Seattle is known for its pitching, so I'm really curious to see where I'll fit in."