SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners cut their list of managerial candidates to four finalists Tuesday: former Chicago Cubs manager Jim Riggleman, former Colorado and Detroit manager Buddy Bell, Baltimore bench coach Sam Perlozzo and Arizona bench coach Bob Melvin.

"We think they each have the ability to communicate and motivate. That's two of the things we're looking for,'' general manager Pat Gillick said.

While he didn't rule out additional candidates, Gillick suggested the process was winding down.

"We're probably not going to contact any more candidates,'' Gillick said. "I wouldn't say this is etched in stone, but I can say one of these four might be our manager. I can't say 100 percent, but there's a good likelihood.''

That doesn't rule out the possibility that San Francisco manager Dusty Baker will be pursued by the Mariners when his contract expires Wednesday.

There has been speculation that Seattle would ask the Giants for permission to speak to Baker. Gillick has been cautious about discussing Baker while he remains under contract with San Francisco.

The Mariners interviewed 12 candidates for the job that opened when Lou Piniella left after 10 seasons, citing a desire to be closer to his home in Florida. He accepted the Tampa Bay job last month.

Additional interviews with the finalists are scheduled for early next week.

"We felt comfortable with these four people,'' Gillick said. "Overall, we felt one of these individuals might be the right fit for us.''

Lee Elia, a part-time coach and consultant for the Mariners the past two seasons, withdrew his candidacy Tuesday after accepting an offer to join Piniella as the Devil Rays' hitting coach.

"Lee pulled out of the mix,'' Gillick said. "He was one of our prime candidates but decided he'd be better closer to home.''

Angels third-base coach Ron Roenicke was interviewed Tuesday.

"He had a good knowledge of our club. He knows our strengths and minuses,'' Gillick said. "He presented himself well.''

But Gillick said team officials settled on the four finalists as the "best fit'' for the Mariners.

"I'm not saying the others were not good candidates,'' he said.

Other candidates included three from within the Seattle organization: bench coach John McLaren, pitching coach Bryan Price and minor league manager Dan Rohn.

Team officials also interviewed former Kansas City manager Tony Muser, Yankees third-base coach Willie Randolph and Texas bench coach Terry Francona.