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Tuesday, November 5
 
D-Backs' bench coach talks to M's; is Baker next?

Associated Press

SEATTLE -- Arizona Diamondbacks bench coach Bob Melvin was the latest candidate to interview for the manager's job in Seattle.

Melvin, who met Monday with team officials, was the 11th candidate to visit.

Mariners general manager Pat Gillick identified Anaheim Angels third base coach Ron Roenicke as the "mystery candidate", who was expected to be interviewed Tuesday.

Gillick said another candidate might be added. There has been speculation that the Mariners might make a run at San Francisco Giants manager Dusty Baker.

"I really can't talk about Dusty Baker," Gillick said. "Dusty Baker is under contract to San Francisco."

The Mariners are not expected to move on a manager until at least next week, ESPN has learned. Gillick probably will not attend the general managers meetings next week in Arizona so he can focus on hiring a manager.

ESPN also has learned that former Mets manager Bobby Valentine contacted the Mariners about their opening but will not be brought in for an interview.

Baker's contract, however, expires Wednesday, and that's when Gillick said the Mariners expect to have their list pared down to three or four finalists.

"If we have somebody come in after that, it will be an addition," Gillick said. "I can't say never, but there is one more possibility."

Gillick said some candidates have distinguished themselves by making "more than a favorable impression."

"There's three or four who have known a little more about the organization and have a little better feel than the others," Gillick said.

Last week, the Mariners interviewed four inhouse candidates: bench coach John McLaren, pitching coach Bryan Price, consultant and part-time coach Lee Elia and minor league manager Dan Rohn.

They also spoke with former Colorado manager Buddy Bell, former Kansas City manager Tony Muser, Yankees third base coach Willie Randolph and Orioles bench coach Sam Perlozzo.

Two former major league managers -- Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Jim Riggleman and Texas Rangers bench coach Terry Francona -- also have been interviewed.

Selected candidates will be re-interviewed early next week.

Each candidate interviewed so far has demonstrated an eagerness to work with a hit-and-run club that will need to steal bases and move runners, Gillick said.

"Most of the people we've interviewed all have the same take and realize the style we have to utilize," he said. "They look at the club and know we're not loaded with power."




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