Mariners Fire Melvin

Bob Melvin was fired as manager of the Seattle Mariners on Monday, a day after the team ended the season with its 99th loss.

Melvin, who lasted two seasons, was told of the decision during a morning meeting at Safeco Field.

In May, the Mariners exercised the option on Melvin’s contract for 2005 despite a 9-16 start. He led the team to a 93-69 record in 2003 after Lou Piniella left for Tampa Bay.

In a news release, Mariner General Manager Bill Bavasi said it was a difficult decision to fire Melvin. He credited the manager, his coaches and the team for playing hard through the end of the season.

Bavasi, formerly Angel general manager, is believed to have Angel bench coach Joe Maddon on his short list to replace Melvin.

Maddon may also be a candidate for the vacant Philadelphia Phillies’ job. Maddon’s only comment: “My only focus is on what we’re doing here right now.”

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John Gibbons will return as manager of the Toronto Blue Jays next season.

Gibbons, 42, was given a one-year contract after guiding the last-place Blue Jays to a 20-30 record during the last eight weeks of the season.

He took over as interim manager on Aug. 8, when Carlos Tosca was fired after the team opened 47-64.

“I haven’t accomplished anything at this level. It gives me an opportunity. There was no way I was going to do turn it down,” Gibbons said.

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Reliever Cliff Politte agreed to a one-year, $1-million extension through next year with the Chicago White Sox.