I can describe the noise as marbles in a plastic container. The odd thing is that it tends to disappear once the engine is warmed up. Are the bearings on their way out? If so, is there any possible way to salvage it?

If not, I guess i'm off to Distributor King...

 

Anytime you hear bearing noise, it is a bad thing. Replace it ASAP unless you want you be stranded somewhere.