Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said Saturday that the shortstop competition between Brad Miller and Nick Franklin was "quite equal" at this point. It had been assumed that the M's would attempt to trade Franklin after signing Robinson Cano this winter, with Brad Miller remaining as the team's starting shortstop and leadoff hitter, but that doesn't appear to be a foregone conclusion just yet. The 23-year-old is hitting .357 (5-for-14) with a homer, four RBI and one steal in the early going this spring.