Bill Bavasi Dismissed by Mariners

Seattle General Manager Bill Bavasi, son of long-time Dodger General Manager Buzzie Bavasi and a former director of player development for the Dodgers, was dismissed, a formal name for fired, after the Mariners had recorded a 24-45 record.

Seattle had expected to challenge for a division championship but had instead struggled for more than two months and General Manager Bill Bavasi became the victim.

Bavasi was replaced on an interim basis by assistant GM Lee Pelekoudas, who was introduced at a press conference at Safeco Field.

The Mariners were swept in a three-game Interleague series against the Nationals this past weekend and went into Monday's Interleague game against the visiting Marlins with a 24-45 record.

"Change is in order," club chief executive officer Howard Lincoln said in a press release. "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."

Bavasi became the Mariners' GM nearly five years ago, replacing Pat Gillick on Nov. 7, 2003.

Prior to joining the Mariners, Bavasi was the director of player development of the Dodgers, and from 1994-1999 he was the GM of the California/Anaheim Angels.