Wakamatsu M’s choice

SEATTLE – Oakland bench coach Don Wakamatsu will be named the new manager of the Seattle Mariners.

A source familiar with Wakamatsu and the Mariners’ search for their 13th full-time manager told the Associated Press on Tuesday evening that Wakamatsu is the choice. The source requested anonymity because the Mariners have not made an official announcement.

KING-TV in Seattle first reported Wakamatsu will be filling the only managerial opening in the major leagues.

The Mariners would not confirm or deny the choice. Sources said the team expects to have an announcement today.

Also interviewed were: Boston bench coach Brad Mills and third-base coach DeMarlo Hale; Arizona third-base coach Chip Hale; Chicago White Sox bench coach and former Mariners infielder Joey Cora; St. Louis third-base coach Jose Oquendo; and San Diego Triple-A manager Randy Ready.