Harry Ornest, a Beverly Hills businessman who...

Harry Ornest, a Beverly Hills businessman who formerly owned the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League, told The Times that he is only mildly interested in buying the Seattle Mariners.

Mariner owner George Argyros, another Southern California businessman, announced last week his intention to sell the Mariners and buy the San Diego Padres.

Argyros has not set a price for the Mariners. Under the 1985 Kingdome lease, he must publicly set a price by April 22 as part of an offer to sell a 20% to 35% share to Seattle investors, unless the entire club has been sold by that date.

Argyros said he will give preference to a buyer who will keep the Mariners in Seattle.