Conflicting reports on Felix Hernandez extension

There have been some conflicting reports from baseball insiders about the status of contract extension talks for Cy Young-winning pitcher Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners. But as Jeff Sullivan of Lookout Landing points out, neither side wants to part, so a deal should come this offseason at some point.

General Manager Jack Zduriencik told the team's official website that Felix wants to remain a Mariner and the team wants the same, but would not comment any further on the situation. One reporter says talks have begun, while another says they haven't. Seems confusing right? Well, Sullivan thinks that the wheels have probably started to move on working on a deal:

But basically, if the Mariners were not presently at work thinking about a Felix contract extension, I'd be pretty surprised. It seems like the move to make, and if it's evident to me, you gotta figure it's evident to them.

The team is having a number of organizational meetings over the next few weeks, where talks may (or may not) ramp up with King Felix.

Hernandez posted a 13-9 record in 2012, including a perfect game on Aug. 15 against the Tampa Bay Rays, with a 3.06 ERA, 223 strikeouts, 56 walks and a 1.14 WHIP.