Felix wants to spend the rest of his career with Seattle

HAHA. Yeah right.

Pitching ace Felix Hernandez says his plan is to play for the Mariners his entire career, according to ESPN’s Jim Bowden.

That’s what “King Felix” told Bowden on Tuesday at spring training in Peoria, Ariz., after his start against the Cincinnati Reds. Hernandez, by the way, struck out four, gave up no hits and allowed just one base runner in three innings of work. The M’s won 8-6.

Hernandez, 25, is now the leader of the Mariners pitching staff, having two All-Star Games and a Cy Young Award under his belt. With his Cy Young win in 2010, he was recognized for his pitching despite the shoddiness of Seattle’s offense; his record that year was 13-12, but he threw 232 strikouts and had a 2.27 ERA in 249.2 innings of work.

Last season, Hernandez went 14-14 with a 3.47 ERA, including 222 strikeouts. He is signed with Seattle through 2014 on a five-year, $78 million contract.

We will see what happens when free agency rolls around and teams are throwing $100 million at him. While its a nice thought to think that the Mariners and Felix would never part ways, umm... look around baseball, what really, really, good pitchers have never parted ways with their team. Doesn't happen these days.

Can't wait for him to pitch for the Boston Red Sox...