Football
20y

Mariners exercise 2005 option on manager Bob Melvin

SEATTLE - Despite one of the most disappointing starts
in club history, the Seattle Mariners have exercised the 2005
option on manager Bob Melvin's contract.

Seattle, which retooled in the offseason and appeared poised to
contend in 2004, is off to a 9-16 start and 7 1/2 games behind
first-place Texas in the American League West Division.

Melvin signed a two-year contract with an option for next season
on November 15, 2002 and has guided the Mariners to a 102-85
mark since taking over in 2003.

"When I was still in Los Angeles and Seattle made this hire, I
thought Bob was a perfect fit for this situation," Seattle
general manager Bill Bavasi said. "Now that I am here and have
had the chance to work closely with Bob for the last five
months, I am even more certain that he is the right guy for job.
We didn't see any reason to wait any longer to exercise this
option."

"I am very appreciative of the support my family and I have
received in Seattle from the terrific fans, the front office and
ownership," Melvin said. "I have the same goal now as I had
when I arrived: to bring a World Series to Safeco Field."

Melvin's 102 wins are sixth on the club's all-time list. Lou
Piniella is first with 840.

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