The Mariners in recent weeks touched base with the Cubs on shortstop Starlin Castro, asked the Royals about designated hitter Billy Butler, talked to other clubs about other hitters.
None of the talks progressed, according to major league sources. Virtually every team contacted the Cubs about Castro after a published report said he was available (he wasn't).
Butler, too, remains relatively untouchable (he's under club-friendly salaries through 2015, and the Royals consider him a core piece.)
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