Still no word on Mariners' GM search

Deafening silence continued to emanate from the Mariners on Tuesday regarding their general-manager vacancy.

As a fourth day passed since they conducted the last of their second-round interviews, no decision on the crucial hire was announced, or apparently made.

All four finalists remained in limbo during the day. The Mariners have narrowed their search to Tony LaCava, assistant GM of the Blue Jays; Jerry DiPoto, player personnel director for the Diamondbacks; Jack Zduriencik, VP of player personnel for the Brewers; and Kim Ng, assistant GM of the Dodgers.

By all accounts, the Mariners are trying to be absolutely certain they make the right choice to replace Bill Bavasi, fired in June. Lee Pelekoudas is serving as interim GM and was one of seven candidates to interview, but is not among the finalists.

One baseball official pointed out that the Mariners don't have to hurry because no other teams are seeking a GM. Therefore, there are no concerns about their candidates being hired elsewhere. CEO Howard Lincoln will reportedly make the final call with input from team president Chuck Armstrong and minority investor Chris Larson.

None of the candidates has been a GM, so there is no track record to draw upon, complicating the decision.

For the next eight days, the Mariners will need to get special permission from commissioner Bud Selig to announce their GM choice during the World Series, which begins tonight.

Baseball has a news blackout during its showcase event — a policy reportedly begun when Yankees owner George Steinbrenner would often steal the spotlight with major announcements.

The rule doesn't cover players or agents. Last year, news leaked during the final game of the World Series that Alex Rodriguez was opting out of his Yankees contract to become a free agent.

It is likely the Mariners would be given permission to introduce their GM during the World Series, perhaps on Friday, a travel day for the Phillies and Rays.

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com