Mariners fire General Manager Bill Bavasi

SEATTLE, June 16 (UPI) -- The Seattle Mariners, who have the worst record in the major leagues, on Monday replaced General Manager Bill Bavasi with Lee Pelekoudas.

Seattle is 24-45 this season and 17 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West.

Bavasi was in his fifth season as the Mariners' general manager, having taken over in November 2003 from Pat Gillick.

"Change is in order," Mariners Chief Executive Officer Howard Lincoln said. "We have determined new leadership is needed in the GM position. With a new leader will come a new plan and a new approach. A search will begin immediately for a permanent GM, and Lee will be a candidate for the position. "

Pelekoudas was formally named interim general manager. He's been with the team for 29 seasons and was promoted to vice president, associate general manager in 2005. His first position with the team was director of team travel in 1980.