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Mariners News: M’s Name Edgar Martinez Hitting Coach

By Brian Helberg

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What an incredible day to be a Mariners’ fan. Seattle announced on Saturday afternoon that M’s legend Edgar Martinez has been hired to be the new hitting instructor, effective immediately. Gar will be in uniform tonight, and perched in the Mariners’ dugout!

Yes, you read that correctly. EDGAR MARTINEZ IS THE MARINERS NEW HITTING COACH!!!

The departure of Howard Johnson is long overdue. Seattle has floundered under the tutelage of HoJo, and this season has seen the regression of many key players offensively. The M’s rank 30th in batting average in 2015, 26th in on base percentage, 25th in slugging percentage and 28th in runs scored. Johnson is not responsible for everything, but someone had to take the blame for this train wreck.

Lloyd McClendon is loyal to a fault, but the time has come for a change. I am not the least bit surprised to see HoJo go. Hopefully Robinson Cano, Brad Miller, Dustin Ackley and Mike Zunino flourish with Edgar Martinez now functioning as Seattle’s batting instructor.

I am beyond excited to see Gar wear his old number 11 uniform on Saturday night. Edgar was always a cerebral hitter, and I have no doubt he is the perfect man to help this beleaguered group fulfill their potential.

I can recall listening to Martinez in the booth during a game earlier in the season and wishing this day would come. I never would have imagined Edgar would be interested in taking the job. Perhaps, Gar accepted the offer just to keep a closer eye on his establishment out in left field. All kidding aside, I have full confidence in the greatest living hitter to turn the M’s bats around.

Edgar is arguably the most beloved Mariner in club history, and it makes me incredibly happy to see him come home. Gar spent 18 seasons in a Mariners’ uniform, and holds numerous franchise records. Martinez made 7 All Stars appearances, won 5 Silver Sluggers and finished in the top 15 in MVP voting 4 times. He finished his illustrious career with a .312 batting average, 309 home runs, 1261 RBI’s and a .418 on base percentage. He is the greatest designated hitter in MLB history, and every season the best DH in the league is awarded the Edgar Martinez Award.

Oh yeah, he also is responsible for the greatest moment in Mariners’ history!

It is fair to say this is one of the greatest days in recent memory for M’s fans. However, we must remember to keep some perspective. This lineup is having a miserable season, and I have a hard time believing this hire will chance things immediately. We must not place too high of expectations on Edgar right away. Give him chance to get his feet wet. I believe he will get the job done eventually, but it might take a couple months before we see any noticeable improvement.

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I am well aware that there are some who will say this is simply a publicity stunt, but I do not care. I am still fed up with Jack Zduriencik, but this might be the best thing he has done as GM. Some will argue that this move was made to appease the fan base. I think it was necessary. This season has been a disaster, and the fans deserve some reward for sticking with this team. Some will say this is yet another attempt to pander to the 1995ers’, I say shut up. I love the move, and I love Edgar.

Make sure you tune in at 7:10 pm when the Mariners take on the Houston Astros at Safeco Field. Root Sports will carry the game live, and it is sure to be a special night at the corner of Edgar & Dave. Hopefully, Jay Buhner, Dan Wilson and Mike Blowers can all be in the broadcast booth to discuss their former teammate’s new gig. I can’t wait!

Welcome home Edgar, Mariners’ baseball has not been the same without you.

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