First, the Mariners: Well-connected Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports says the M's interest in Cruz is increasing as they consider throwing more money into their roster this season. Cruz would help protect the team's biggest offseason investment, second baseman Robinson Cano, in a revamped batting order.

Also on the Mariners' map: reliever Fernando Rodney, a Dominican pal of Cruz and Cano.

While the Rangers claim they have replaced Cruz with free-agent signee Shin-Soo Choo, there's still a need for a right-handed power hitter in their lineup. If the Rangers want him back, however, it appears Cruz would get a one-year deal.

Cruz could help a lot of power-hungry clubs, except for two little problems. One, a team signing him must fork over draft-pick compensation. Two, his 50-game ban in the Biogenesis debacle raised questions whether, at age 33, he is on the downhill side of his career.

Last week, SN's Jesse Spector mentioned that the Tigers appear to have renewed their interest in Cruz. However, Spector mentioned another problem in Cruz's game that could be a significant drawback. Cruz isn't suited to playing in big outfields, such as the one in Comerica Park.

Cruz will get a job somewhere, because he can hit, Spector noted. Seattle might be his best bet.

Rodney, the closer with the cockeyed cap, would be an upgrade in the ninth inning for the Mariners. Teams seeking a closer are left with few good options, so the M's appear in the mix along with the Phillies and Mets. The Orioles also are mentioned in connection with Rodney as a team that lose out in the Grant Balfour free-agent derby.

Or if the Mariners want to add to their starting staff, A.J. Burnett made himself available this week. However, reports suggest Burnett won't want to switch coasts.


BERKMAN HANGS 'EM UP


Lance Berkman salvaged his career and finally won a World Series with the Cardinals in 2011. Two years later at age 37, his playing days are over.

Limited by injuries the past two seasons, in particular persistent knee pain, the Big Puma has decided to retire.

"I'm excited about the next chapter in my life. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family, and at some point, I'll definitely coach somewhere," Berkman said in a statement. "The emotions are overwhelming. I can't even begin to describe. It's one of those things you've thought about for so long, and then when it happens, it hits you harder than you ever imagined."

Berkman will be best remembered for his time with the Astros, who were a contender in the National League during his decade-plus with them. They are neither now.

As one of the Killer Bs along with Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, Berkman holds Astros career records for on-base percentage (.410) and slugging percentage (.549). He also has the most homers by an Astro at Minute Maid Park with 151, the Houston Chronicle noted. He played 12 seasons for the Astros.

As his career wound down, Berkman was traded to the New York Yankees during the 2010 season, but he did nothing there.

The Cardinals helped Berkman fulfill a dream and rejuvenate his career. He played right field for the 2011 World Series winners, helping best the Rangers with timely hits, including the Cards' wild rally late in Game 6.

After an injury-shortened 2012 season with the Cardinals, he finished up with the Rangers in 2013 but again came up lame.


PUIG'S DRIVING


Going 110 on a Florida highway got Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig in trouble. He will answer to the speeding allegation, but prosecutors have decided not to pursue a reckless driving charge.

Puig and the term reckless are synonymous on the field, where he is equally capable of eye-popping plays and game-altering misplays. And given his hype after a breakout season in 2013, December's arrest was newsworthy.

So, too, is word of the charge's dismissal. A memo from prosecutors explained that excessive speed wasn't sufficient to prosecute the case without other aggravating factors, such as weaving in and out of traffic, losing control of the vehicle or causing other motorists to brake or swerve.

Puig, a 23-year-old Cuban defector, was flagged by state troopers near Naples, Fla., while flying through Alligator Alley in his white Mercedes. He was going 40 mph over the limit.

Last April, Puig was clocked going 97 in a 50 mph zone in Tennessee while playing for the Dodgers' Class AA affiliate. Those charges also were later dismissed.

Dodgers officials issued a statement expressing their disappointment in Puig, who later hired a driver.


BAN PLAYS ON


Baseball hasn't opened training camps, and already nine players have been suspended. The latest: Christopher O'Hare, a pitcher in the Phillies organization.

One season into his professional career, O'Hare was banned 50 games for a failed test under baseball's minor league drug program.

O'Hare, 23, is a left-hander chosen by the Phillies in the June 2013 amateur draft, in the 23rd round. He played last season for rookie-league and lower Class A franchises.

The following players have been banned in the minor league testing program:

Carlos Ramirez, catcher, Angels; Eddie Rosario, infielder, Twins; D.J. Driggers and Yonquelys Martinez, infielders, and Daryl Thompson, pitcher, free agents; Andrew Pierce, pitcher, Cardinals; Will West, pitcher, Brewers; and Antonio Alvarez, second baseman, Diamondbacks.

Contributing: Ray Slover, The Associated Press.