Are Nelson Cruz, Mariners close to a Deal?

On Sunday, a Spanish report reported that outfielder Nelson Cruz and the Seattle Mariners were close to signing a deal. On Saturday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweeted this:

The #Mariners, it would seem, are now in prime position to sign Nelson Cruz with Choo going to Texas

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 21, 2013

Could we see another big free agent head northwest? It's possible. For those of you who would like the article roughly translated, here you go:

The Seattle Mariners are still one of the busiest in the winter in all MLB teams, and now want to Nelson Cruz in his right.

The nautas seem to have all the ground gained for this contract, after Rangers to sign Korean Shin-Soo Choo seven-year, $ 130 million , so it appears that Washington led by Ron leave behind their employment with Cruz .

Seattle a few weeks ago who signed Robinson Cano , are arming themselves ahead of the 2014 season.

Mariners also agreed with Franklin Gutierrez , who must fight again for the starting job in center field .

Another player who agreed with the shipping was Corey Hart , former right fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers .

Nelson Cruz made ​​acceptable numbers in 2012 , averaging .266 , hit 27 homers and drove in 76 runs in just 109 games , it is noteworthy that the Dominican was suspended for 50 games after testing positive in doping tests .

With these contracts and the presence in the rotation of Felix Hernandez  and Japanese Hisashi Iwakuma and , the Mariners tried to fight, in a very difficult division , which has dominated in recent seasons the Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics , and will Anaheim Angels in a serious rival."

How true is the article? It's hard to know. It could be a false-alarm, or could be something that could tell us the answer of the Nelson Cruz sweepstakes. However, keep caution and keep your eyes peeled because Cruz could be headed to the Seattle Mariners. 

Hat tip to Jamie Kelly (@JamieSportsTalk on Twitter).