Mariners exercise option on Melvin

[WebHamster]

Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - The Seattle Mariners exercised the option on manager Bob Melvin's contract Tuesday, keeping him with the team through the 2005 season.

Melvin, who was hired prior to the 2003 season, originally signed a two-year deal with a club option for a third. He replaced long-time manager Lou Piniella.

Melvin, the fastest manager to 100 wins in franchise history, led the Mariners to a 93-69 mark last year. But the club is off to only a 9-16 start to this season and sits in last place in the competitive AL West.

[Pedantic]

Oh, that's likely to make the M's fans jump for joy.