Infield Chatter is a weekly look at trends and rumors that will affect your Fantasy Baseball strategy.

In the past, the Mariners were able to survive and even prosper after losing marquee stars such as Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson and Alex Rodriguez. Fantasy owners could still count on their players for consistent, quality production.

But nowadays, the Mariners will choose to go against past history, and they will keep Ichiro and will struggle. But that doesn't mean they won't be in the market to move other prominent players.

While management is committed to keeping Ichiro, the Mariners are 13 games out of first place and are reportedly on the verge of dumping some name players to go with youngsters inside or outside the organization who could help more in the future. Of course, Freddy Garcia has been the Mariners player mentioned most often in trade rumors.

The other big name to surface in rumors is Bret Boone, who was mentioned in Monday's Seattle Times among a lengthy list of Mariners who could be on the move outside or inside the organization. The Times reported that Mariners' CEO Howard Lincoln has given his baseball people permission to remodel the team.

Fantasy owners should watch developments in the Pacific Northwest closely in the next few weeks. The natural reaction is for Yankees' followers, who have an apparent longing to fill a hole at second base, would welcome the brother of the man who put them into last year's World Series. It would be an ironic acquisition after Bret Boone was watching from the broadcast booth as Aaron Boone delivered the decisive homer in last year's American League championship series.

The Mariners might be thinking about moving up some infielders from the minors, and could also send away veteran shortstop Rich Aurilia and first baseman John Olerud. Aurilia is nearly useless even in AL-only leagues at this point of his career. But Olerud is still a smart hitter who could be a very useful run producer in the right situation.

The Mariners are also notably thin at catcher, and could make a move to acquire a backstop who could play for them now while addressing future needs. If Olerud is indeed moved, Scott Spiezio should move across the diamond to first base. Raul Ibanez, a solid hitter, could also be dealt to a contender in need of a bat. Veteran outfielder Quinton McCracken could also be dealt, but he might be a reserve for any other team he joins.

Edgar Martinez and Jamie Moyer are 10-5 veterans with the right to veto any deals they might be involved in. Justin Leone and Jose Lopez, top infield prospects, could be called up to the majors. But both need more time in the high minors and might not be ready to help Fantasy teams yet.

Many other teams with disappointing records should soon be looking to move players. The New York Daily News, spotlighting teams the Mets might want to deal with if they remain in contention in the National League East, mentioned Garcia as a possible target, along with Gil Meche, who has been a disappointment.

The Mets could also choose to go after Pittsburgh's Kris Benson, who has been on Yankee wish lists for some time now. A move to either New York team could improve Benson's outlook. The Mets are committed to continuing to build their defense and are relying on quality starting pitching to keep them afloat. The Yankees have everything to excite Benson's Fantasy owners.

Toronto would also reportedly be open to dealing Pat Hentgen, who is mediocre at best at this point of his career. Brian Anderson and Darrell May could also possibly be lifted from the Royals. Any rumors surrounding Randy Johnson, however, have been quashed by Arizona's braintrust, according to the News.

Meanwhile, reports back in Seattle are indicating lots of changes for the M's. Ryan Franklin and Joel Piniero could get quite a statistical jolt if they are dealt to a better team. Randy Winn's speed should definitely be an interesting and helpful trait to a team looking to add to its run production.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer lists the White Sox, Cubs, Red Sox and Indians as the potential top trade partners for the Mariners. The Yankees remain very interested in Garcia, and it remains to be seen if they will make a push for Bret Boone as well.

Scott Engel is the 2003 champion of the Krause Publications Experts League.