There was a Josh Fields sighting this afternoon, in the strangest of places — a parking lot beween the Mariners offices and Peoria Stadium and in full view of the always-alert media.

Fields, the Mariners’ first-round Draft choice last June, his father, and a representative, were conversing with Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik. Assistant GM Lee Pelekoudas, carrying some kind of paperwork, joined the group.

Several minutes later, the club officials returned to their offices, while the Fields party hopped into a silver SUV and drove away.

Although Fields and the Mariners apparently reached a tentative agreement on the parameters of a contract late last week, and the pitcher underwent a physical on Saturday, he still hasn’t signed a contract. But we’re told the deal could be announced sometime around 4 p.m. MT today.

— Jim Street