The Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies both tried to pry star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki away from the Seattle Mariners in the hours leading up to the trade deadline, according to a report in the Seattle Times on Tuesday.

The Astros reportedly asked for Ichiro after the Mariners inquired about the availability of ace pitcher Roy Oswalt. The Astros also dangled Oswalt to the Orioles in an effort to get Miguel Tejada, but were rejected.

According to the Times, the Phillies also asked for Ichiro in any deal involving Bobby Abreu, who was eventually traded to the Yankees for four minor leaguers. The Times reported that the Phillies also offered pitchers Cory Lidle and Arthur Rhodes with Abreu.

So was Ichiro on the trading block? Highly unlikely, as the Mariners' primary owner — Hiroshi Yamauchi — is a big fan of the right fielder.

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The Mariners were involved in other trade talks as well, the Times reported, including with the Dodgers for Kenny Lofton and the Nationals for Alfonso Soriano.

But none of the talks panned out as Seattle was reluctant to part with young talent like center fielder Adam Jones and closer J.J. Putz.

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