1
I think there are a few reasons Z and the M's are rumored on every FA out there.
1. Z is leaving no stone unturned in trying to boost the talent level in the system. He's looking at every option to see what it will cost him, and then evaluating the cost/benefit.
2. Agents know the M's have cash, so they're leaking the M's involvement to drive up the price of their clients
3. Being linked to everyone creates a smokescreen about what you're really trying to accomplish
4. Being linked to FO'a your competitors covet might drive them to do something rash that will hamper their ballclub (Taro's argument above)