Avila, Hart off the board
David Andriesen reports that the Tigers have denied permission to speak to Al Avila and that the M’s have not pursued permission to interview John Hart.
Avila, who has interviewed for at least three other general manager jobs, was a finalist five years ago when the Mariners hired Bill Bavasi. After the 2006 season, Tigers owner Mike Ilitch made an effort to lock up his top executives, including signing Avila to a new deal that runs through 2009.
Also Tuesday, it was confirmed that John Hart, the former general manager of the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers and a member of several lists of potential Mariners candidates, has not been contacted by the team. Hart is a senior adviser to the Rangers, and the Mariners would have had to seek permission from the Rangers to interview him. No such permission has been sought.
The Ms are kicking a lot of tires….that is to their credit I think.
Good news on both accounts.
Not asking Hart fits in with the apparent decision to pursue first-time GMs only.
Thank god.
In Derek’s last handicapping post, neither Avila nor Hart were ranked.