Joel Sherman, on July 14th:

Another rumor within the game that simply will not perish is that if Gillick becomes president in Seattle that Brian Cashman will follow out there to be the Mariner GM. Cashman is an open admirer of Gillick, having cited Gillick as a standard others should follow. Cashman, whose contract runs out after the season, continues to say he will not discuss future opportunities until the Yankee campaign ends.

Jon Heyman, one week later, today:

There’s been a little more buzz lately that the Mariners might want Phillies GM Pat Gillick for a top position to oversee their rebuilding project. If Gillick should take a big job there, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him try to lure Cashman from the Yankees. Cashman has an expiring contract and is known to be close to Gillick.

Either Joel and Jon are sharing notes, or, this rumor must truly be going around these days.

Would Cashman head out to the great Northwest after this season – if Gillick goes there and calls him? It’s an interesting question. Right now, Cashman lives in Darien (CT) – and, Cashman’s wife has her two sisters (one who is her twin) living close by them. Would family concerns (over a move) come into play here? Or, is all of this just play to get the Brothers Stein thinking that they need to lock up Cashman before Gillick makes a move? Stay tuned…