Rays, Mariners continue talking

Negotiations involving Lou Piniella feature many unknowns, including a possible fourth suitor.

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer

© St. Petersburg Times
published October 18, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- This much we know. The Devil Rays talked several times with the Mariners on Thursday, did not reach agreement on the compensation necessary to receive permission to meet with Lou Piniella, and plan to keep negotiating today, with managing general partner Vince Naimoli returning to his Tropicana Field office after a working vacation in Mexico.

"The Tampa Bay Devil Rays had several discussions with the Mariners concerning the compensation issue in trying to make Lou Piniella our next manager," Rays general manager Chuck LaMar said. "We plan on speaking to them again (today).

Otherwise, there was plenty of speculation, wishful thinking and rumor-mongering as Piniella waits -- increasingly impatiently -- at his Tampa home to see where he will have a chance to manage next season.

Based on who you listen to and which published reports you believe, the competition for Piniella may have grown to four teams; the Mets may be on the verge of making a deal for Piniella or dropping out; and Outback Steakhouse founders Bob Basham and Chris Sullivan may be planning to "come up with the extra money to pay Piniella if money is the deciding issue" -- though Naimoli said: "I don't know anything about that."

The Mariners had no official update Thursday night, indicating talks were ongoing. Piniella appeared at a University of Tampa function and said there was nothing new to talk about, then later told the New York Daily News he was "disappointed" the Mariners were dragging the process out.

Still, a New York radio station reported Piniella would be named manager of the Mets today even as the team denied it had permission to talk to him.

Seattle general manager Pat Gillick told the Times Thursday that there was not only a third unnamed team interested in Piniella, but now also a fourth.

At least one of those teams has a manager who would be fired if Piniella were hired, Gillick said. Most of the speculation has centered on the Red Sox, even after team president Larry Lucchino issued a statement saying they had not called the Mariners nor did they plan to.

Other likely possibilities -- also denied in one form or another -- are the Reds, Orioles and Cubs. There is also talk that the mystery teams don't exist, or are not serious, but are being used to keep pressure on the Rays and Mets.

The Rays seem more focused on the compensation issue than any potential competition. The Mariners appear to be interested in several of the Rays' prized young players and the absence of an agreement after two days of talks is an indication the price must be high since the Rays are most eager to talk to Piniella.

The Mets also found the compensation requests stiff, but Newsday reported today the talks no longer include top New York prospects Jose Reyes or Aaron Heilman. The Mets had been trying to speed the process so they could consider Oakland's Art Howe as an alternative, but Oakland then said Howe was no longer available.

The Mariners have said they are not necessarily seeking the same level of compensation from each team, creating the possibility they might steer Piniella to a specific team. Gillick said they might also seek financial compensation -- "It depends on the quality of the players," he said -- but had not asked the Rays for money.

Gillick reiterated Thursday that the Mariners would prefer Piniella stay with an American League team -- which could be a plus for the Rays.

"We're partners," he said. "We don't like to lose people to the other league. Plus it will be a hell of draw when you guys come in."

Piniella is clearly growing impatient with the Mariners. "I thought they would be better about all this," he told the Daily News. "I just want to get on with my life and I would think they would want to get on with theirs, too."

Because the Mariners are requiring teams to first agree on the compensation package, Naimoli said that is what the Rays are concentrating on.

"It's our sole focus," he said. "We've given a lot of energy to it and will continue to. I can characterize our talks with the Mariners as proceeding in an expeditious and very amicable manner."

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Thursday that Basham and Sullivan, identified as "close personal friends" of Piniella, "said they would come up with the extra money to pay Piniella if money is the deciding issue."

Basham and Sullivan declined Thursday to answer questions on the subject, saying they don't comment on team-related matters. Naimoli said they are not allowed to.

Naimoli said the Seattle report was news to him.

"I don't know where they got that from," Naimoli said. "We internally have never contemplated what salary or what anything like that would be.

"The way our partnership works, salaries are paid by the entity of the partnership, not individuals in the partnership."

Meanwhile, the Rays continue the interview process today by meeting with Oakland bench coach Ken Macha. The 52-year-old, who has interviewed with the Mets, Cubs and Brewers, is considered a top managerial prospect.

While there is no specific deadline, commissioner Bud Selig is reportedly pushing for a quick resolution because teams are not allowed to make major announcements during the World Series.