The Associated Press

BALTIMORE - Lee Mazzilli was hired Friday to manage the Baltimore Orioles, joining a team he helped beat regularly as the New York Yankees' first-base coach.

"This is one of the greatest days in my life," Mazzilli said. "The anticipation has been overwhelming. ... I am looking at this challenge with great enthusiasm."

Mazzilli, 48, becomes a major-league manager for the first time. He agreed to a two-year contract with two one-year club options.

During Mazzilli's four seasons with the Yankees, New York won the AL East every season, and Baltimore finished fourth.

"I want to thank the Yankees for giving me the opportunity to come to Baltimore," he said.

Before coming to New York, Mazzilli managed for three years in the Yankees' farm system.

RED SOX: Boston plans to replace standing-room-only space on Fenway Park's right-field roof with 200 permanent seats it hopes to open in time for next season.

"This will be another cool place to watch a game," team president Larry Lucchino said Friday. "As we consider Fenway improvements for 2004, we begin by creating a destination for fans who wish to enjoy a new vista, a new perspective, and a new experience within the park."

Last year, the team built seating for 280 people on top of the Green Monster. Those seats above the left-field wall were hugely popular.

MARINERS: Bill Bavasi was hired Friday to replace Pat Gillick as general manager of the Seattle Mariners.

Bavasi, 45, is the former general manager of the California and Anaheim Angels.

SHORT HOPS: The Cubs exercised their $6 million option for right-hander Matt Clement, keeping the core of their talented young pitching staff together another season. Clement won a career-high 14 games last season, going 12-6 over his last 22 starts. He had a 4.11 ERA.

• Former White Sox second baseman Joey Cora was hired as Chicago's third-base coach Friday by new manager Ozzie Guillen.

• Left-hander Dennys Reyes has been invited to spring training next season by Kansas City.