Closer look at Mariner manager candidates

Here is some background information on each of the seven candidates who Mariners say they will interview for the manager's job:

Joey Cora: Current bench coach for the Chicago White Sox; served last two seasons as the White Sox bench coach and last five on the White Sox Major-League coaching staff; was the third-base coach from 2004-06. Manager in the Venezuelan Winter League in 2005 (LaGuaira). Spent three seasons as a minor-league manager in the Mets and Expos farm system. Played 11 seasons in the Majors, including four seasons with the Mariners (1995-98); hit .300 with 40 doubles for the Mariners in 1997 and was named an All-Star. Attended Vanderbilt. His younger brother, Alex, is an infielder with the Boston Red Sox.

Chip Hale: Current third Base/Infield coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks (2007-08). Previously managed the Class AAA Tucson Sidewinders in the Pacific Coast League (2004-06). Has a .562 (392-305) winning percentage in six seasons as a minor-league manager (all in Arizona organization). Named 2001 Pioneer League (Missoula Osprey) and Baseball America Rookie-Level Manager of the Year. Utility infielder over parts of seven Major-League seasons with the Twins and Dodgers (1989-97). Attended Arizona and led the Wildcats to the 1986 College World Series title.

DeMarlo Hale: Current third-base coach for the Boston Red Sox (2006-08); also Major-League coach with the Texas Rangers (2002-05). Career 491-471 record as a minor-league manager from 1993-99 in the Boston Red Sox organization; also managed at Class AAA Oklahoma in the Texas organization in 2000-01. Named Midwest League Manager of the Year at Michigan in 1995. Guided three of his teams to the playoffs (Sarasota in 1994, Michigan in 1995, Trenton in 1999). His 1999 Trenton squad finished 92-50 and was named Minor League Team of the Year by Baseball America. Selected as Minor League Manager of the Year in 1999 by Baseball America, The Sporting News and USA Today Baseball Weekly. Manager of the AL team at the 1997 Class AA All-Star Game; coach of the USA team at the 1999 All-Star Futures Game. Played five minor-league seasons as a first baseman/outfielder in the Red Sox and Athletics organization (1983-88); drafted in the 17th round of the 1983 June draft out Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA).

Brad Mills: Spent last five seasons as the Boston Red Sox bench coach. Teammate and roommate of Boston manager Terry Francona at Arizona. Also served as Major-League coach for the Phillies (1997-2000) and Expos (2003). Managed 11 seasons in the minor leagues in the Cubs (1987-92), Rockies (1993-96) and Dodgers (2002) organizations. Infielder who played eight seasons of professional baseball; played in 106 career Major-League games with the Montreal Expos. Was Nolan Ryan's 3,509th career strikeout, moving Ryan past Walter Johnson as baseball's all-time strikeout king. Son, Beau, was a first-round draft pick of the Cleveland Indians in 2007 (Fresno State /Lewis-Clark State).

Jose Oquendo: Current third-base coach for the St. Louis Cardinals (2000-08); also served as Cardinals bench coach in 1999. Pro career spanned 17 seasons, including Big League duty with the Mets (1983-84) and Cardinals (1986-95). Utility player who in 1988 played all nine positions in a season (first NL player since 1918). Manager of the Puerto Rico team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Northwest connection: Made pro debut in 1979 at Grays Harbor in the Northwest League.

Randy Ready: Current manager of the Portland Beavers in the Pacific Coast League (San Diego affiliate). Manager at Class AA San Antonio in 2007, leading the Missions to the Texas League title (73-66). Also managed Class A Fort Wayne (2004-06). Named 2002 New York-Penn League Manager of the Year with Oneonta (Detroit). Played professionally for 19 years, including parts of 13 Major-League seasons. Played in 777 Major League games with the Brewers, Padres, Phillies, A's and Expos.

Don Wakamatsu: Current bench coach with the Oakland A's. Texas Rangers coaching staff from 2003-06 (bench coach) and 2007 (third-base coach). Los Angeles Angels Minor-League Catching Coordinator (2001-02). Minor-League manager from 1997-2000. Played 12 seasons in the minor leaguers as a catcher (1985-96). Played in 18 Major-League games with the Chicago White Sox in 1991. Native of Hayward, Calif. Was an All-Pac-10 catcher at Arizona State.