SEATTLE, May 4 (UPI) -- Despite one of the poorest starts in club history, the Seattle Mariners have opted to exercise the 2005 option on Manager Bob Melvin's contract.
Seattle, which retooled in the off-season and appeared poised to contend, 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 Nov. 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 the job."
