Scott Miller of CBS Sportsline has an interesting tidbit today. While the Mariners are still searching for a permanent replacement for dismissed general manager Bill Bavasi, the current ownership group might not be the ones to make the call. Instead, Miller relays a rumor that Hiroshi Yamauchi, current controlling owner of the M’s and retired head of Nintendo, wants to sell off his share. Chris Larson, current minority M’s owner and Microsoft exec, is a highly interested party. The idea is for him to form an investment group to purchase Yamauchi’s shares. One of the partners, though, is a familiar face.
That is former Mariners GM Pat Gillick, he who presided over the Mariners powerhouse teams during the turn of the century. According to the rumor, he would be placed as head of baseball operations, and would select the new GM himself. Currently the general manager in Philadelphia, Gillick has announced his plans to reire at the end of the season. So it’s unlikely he names himself general manager.
Another little bit at the end of the article: The current ownership extended catcher Kenji Johjima this April because they wanted to "take care of him before getting out." It further suggests that Bill Bavasi and company were against the extension, likely because of Jeff Clement’s presence.
So, M’s fans, would you welcome Gillick back into the fray?
