Signing Segui May Cost M’S Contract For Second-Generation Mariner Crimps Options For Signing Slocumb

First baseman David Segui and the Seattle Mariners agreed Friday on a $4.75 million, two-year contract.

He’s the son of Diego Segui, the only player to play with both the Seattle Pilots and the Mariners.

He was the opening-night pitcher for the Mariners in 1977.

After signing the 31-year-old David Segui to a two-year deal worth just over $4 million, the team has reached its 1998 budgeted payroll of approximately $48 million.

And that means the team might not be able to offer projected closer Heathcliff Slocumb arbitration, unless, one Mariners executive said, there’s a deal involving Randy Johnson that frees up more salary.

Segui didn’t come cheap, but he offered the Mariners a contact hitter at first base, and as a switch-hitter he eliminated the need to platoon, thus saving the Mariners another roster spot.

In Montreal last year, Segui batted .307 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs despite missing more than a month with a knee injury.

He tied for second among N.L. first basemen with a .995 fielding percentage.

The M’s also signed outfielder Rob Ducey to a one-year deal.