Rumor mill shut down

Piniella to return as Mariners manager in 2003

SEATTLE (AP) -- Lou Piniella will manage the Seattle Mariners next season, a team spokesman said Friday.

Piniella, who led the Mariners to a 93-69 record and third place in the AL West, has been rumored to be a candidate for managerial openings with the New York Mets, the Texas Rangers and his hometown team, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Piniella is signed with the Mariners through the 2003 season. Piniella's contract doesn't include an out clause, which means he can't take a job with another team unless he is fired or the team lets him out of his contract early, Mariners spokesman Matt Roebuck said.

"He's our manager," Roebuck said. "We want him back."

In 10 seasons with Seattle, Piniella has a record of 840-711. He led the team to its only four postseason appearances in 25 seasons.

Piniella, a two-time AL Manager of the year, also has said he will return next season.

"I've got a contract. I plan to honor it," Piniella said last week.

 

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