ESPN’s Jayson Stark is reporting that the Mariners signed mega-talented pitcher Felix Hernandez to a one-year contract for $3.8 million today. Hernandez isn’t eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season, so this contract was basically a means of avoiding arbitration and continuing to negotiate a long-term deal. Just for comparison: Jarrod Washburn will be paid around $10 million this year, Carlos Silva over $8 million, and Erik Bedard (who at least might be good) over $7 million. What’s the plural of albatross? Mariners’ free-agent pitching contracts!