LAS VEGAS -- Alex Rodriguez and his agent met here Thursday night with Seattle Mariners management to discuss the All-Star shortstop's future with the team.

	Rodriguez

Signing Rodriguez and All-Star center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. to new contracts was to be the first order of business for new Seattle general manager Pat Gillick. But Griffey, 29, announced this week he had turned down the Mariners' proposal, reportedly $140 million for eight years, and asked to be traded so he can play closer to his home in Orlando, Fla.

Rodriguez, 24, met Gillick for the first time at Thursday's session, Mariners spokesman Tim Hevly said, adding the two had "a good exchange of ideas" and would meet again. No date was set for the next meeting.

Rodriguez reportedly has been offered an eight-year, $135 million deal to re-sign with Seattle. Hevly would not confirm that.

Rodriguez's contract expires after next season.

The meeting, which lasted about 90 minutes, was attended by Rodriguez, his agent Scott Boras, Gillick, Mariners president Chuck Armstrong and team chairman Howard Lincoln, Hevly said.

"I would say that it was a very positive meeting," Lincoln told KING-TV of Seattle. "We accomplished a lot. But this is in the middle of a very delicate negotiation, and it's in everyone's interests that we keep what was said in the room in the room."

Rodriguez declined to speak to reporters after the meeting.

"I think Alex made it clear that he wanted to fulfill his contract and remain there for another year, so it was a positive first meeting," Boras said.

In the past, Rodriguez has said he wants to stay with the Mariners -- if they can field a World Series-contending team.

Rodriguez had a successful season this year, matching his career high of 42 home runs despite missing five weeks early in the season for surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Rodriguez may be seeking about $200 million over 10 years. There has been talk of a trade to the New York Mets.

Mets manager Bobby Valentine said Thursday he's not ready to speculate about getting Griffey or Rodriguez on his team next season.

"I'm not making the phone calls. I'm not part and parcel to all of the action," he said. "But it sure is fascinating to me to see so many fabulous players being talked about in early November. In my tenure in the game it is unparalleled."