Mariners tab Melvin

SEATTLE, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- The Seattle Mariners Friday named Bob Melvin their new manager, giving him a two-year contract with a club option for 2005.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Melvin, 41, was bench coach for Arizona Diamondbacks Manager Bob Brenly the past two seasons. The team won the World Series in 2001.

He also has played and scouted at the major league level, but has never managed.

Melvin reportedly beat out Buddy Bell, Jim Riggleman, and Sam Perlozzo for the job, which became vacant when Lou Piniella decided not to fulfill the final year of his contract, and later became manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

"After talking with all of our candidates, Bob was our No. 1 choice," said Seattle General Manager Pat Gillick. "He is a very strong communicator who will be able to motivate and lead our players."

Melvin, a former catcher, played 10 years for seven big league teams, compiling a career average of .233 with 35 home runs.

Since his retirement in 1994, he has been a coach and scout, and has worked in the front office.

Brenly reportedly treasured Melvin's game insight. Melvin also is regarded as having a calming influence in the clubhouse.

The Chicago Cubs also were rumored to have interest in Melvin, who takes over a team that missed the playoffs in 2002 after setting an American League record with 116 wins in 2001.

"It's hard for me to express how excited I am about this opportunity," Melvin said. "Seattle is one of the premier organizations in the major leagues, and this job is one of the best managerial jobs in all of baseball."