Where will Bobby Valentine end up next year?

Ichiro Suzuki reportedly has talked to Mariners ownership to express his desire to have former Mets manager Bobby Valentine manage in Seattle next season. The Japanese connections may have peaked Ichiro’s interest. Valentine managed in the Japan League in 1995 and again from 2004-09.

Peter Gammons of MLB Network wrote on his Twitter: "One Mariners person says Ichiro has talked to ownership about hiring Bobby Valentine, Suzuki's preference."

The Seattle Times has conflicting reports as to Valentine’s interest in the Seattle job. Valentine has sparsely talked about managing next year, but some individuals close to him have said he would be interested in managing the Mariners.

The Seattle Times reported that a Mariners official said, "To the best of our knowledge, there's no truth to it."

Jack Curry of the YES Network tweeted: “Bobby Valentine has been rumored as a managerial candidate with Seattle Mariners, but he told me doesn't think Seattle "is a fit."

There will be other job openings next season, notably the Cubs with Lou Piniella announcing he will retire after this season. There is always the possibility Valentine could return to New York, with Jerry Manuel’s future in question and Joe Girardi’s contract up at the end of the season.

Other managerial openings will likely be with the Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Marlins.