MARINERS OFF THE BLOCK AS TEAM CONFIDENT OF BALLPARK DEAL

          The Mariners said their franchise is no longer for sale
     after they "became convinced" the Seattle city government
     was willing to keep game-day costs under control, according
     to Schaefer & Lewis in the SEATTLE TIMES.  Team spokesperson
     Bob Hartley said CEO John Ellis was going to say the team is
     no longer for sale when he reported on the situation
     yesterday at the MLB owners meetings in AZ.  While no final
     agreement was reached over how the costs will be shared, 
     both the city and the Mariners say the original figure of
     $1.5M per year for traffic, transit and clean-up can be
     reduced (SEATTLE TIMES, 1/14).