BOSTON – The Mariners, dangling talented right-hander Joel Pineiro and less impressive Jose Paniagua, had not surrendered hope in trying to land Phillies third sacker Scott Rolen, but were running behind the Orioles.

If they don’t get Rolen, the Mariners are confident they can trade for Jeff Cirillo of the Rockies.

The Cardinals and Reds are underdogs in the Rolen derby.

The Giants and Mariners continued to pursue free agent right-hander Jason Schmidt, who figures to land a contract in the range of $36 million for four years. The Rangers were preparing a five-year, $75 million offer for free agent right-hander Chan Ho Park.

The White Sox, ever cautious on the payroll front, think so highly of Pirates outfielder Brian Giles they talked about expanding their budget if they can work out a trade for him. Those talks didn’t go anywhere, so they turned their attention to the Angels, who are shopping Darin Erstad.

Mets are interested in Jays lefty reliever Pedro Borbon.