Mariners phones ringing often on League

Reliever Brandon League is a popular man in these last hours before Tuesday's trade deadline, with the White Sox, Dodgers, Giants and "more than a handful of other clubs" contacting the Mariners about him, according to CBSSports.com sources.

League has a track record of success and is headed for free agency this winter, making it likely that the Mariners will deal him by Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT non-waivers deadline.

Oakland's surprising Renaissance this season is making things even more bleak for the Mariners as their long and laborious rebuilding process continues. Suddenly, not only is the gap between Seattle and AL West Superpowers Texas and Los Angeles vast, but the Athletics this summer have pulled away from the Mariners as well.

Seattle desperately needs hitters and likely would require young position player prospects in return. The Mariners have scored only 412 runs this season, 13th among the 14 American League teams.

League, 0-5 with a 3.63 ERA in 46 appearances this season, has been a dependable workhorse. His 180 appearances since the start of the 2010 season rank tied for first among AL relievers. He ranked second among AL relievers last season in games finished (60) and third in saves (37).

Since June 13, he's allowed only two earned runs over 16 1/3 innings pitched. The Rangers are among the other clubs believed to be interested.