Mariners News: M’s Fire Lloyd McClendon

The Seattle Mariners announced on Friday afternoon that they have parted ways with Lloyd McClendon. Jerry Dipoto cited a “desire for new energy” as his reason for dismissing the M’s skipper. McClendon exits the Emerald City with a record 163-161 through two seasons.

It was a bit of a strange tenure for McClendon in Seattle. The 56-year-old led the club to 87 wins, and fell just one win shy of reaching the postseason in his debut season in 2014. However, the Mariners took significant steps backwards this past season, losing 86 games and finishing fourth in the American League West.

It never seemed very likely Dipoto would retain McClendon, and today’s firing is not overly surprising. After the way things shook down with Mike Scioscia in Anaheim, it is hard to blame Dipoto for wanting to pick his own bench boss.

Dipoto has invited hitting coach Edgar Martinez and infield instructor Chris Woodward to stay on the big league coaching staff in 2016. Pitching coach Rick Waits and coach Chris Prieto have been offered the chance to stay in the organization, but not with the Major League coaching staff. The M’s were noticeably more productive on offence with Martinez in charge, and I really hope the Mariners’ legend returns next season.

The simple fact is that the M’s did not get the job done this season, and Lloyd was a big reason why. His refusal to give up on Fernando Rodney cost the team numerous games. McClendon’s shuffling of the lineup hurt the players’ confidence, and contributed to the collective offensive struggles. Lloyd played favorites far too often, and it ultimately cost his job.

That being said, McClendon is well respected in baseball and should have no trouble finding another job. I doubt he gets another shot at being a manger, but he was very successful mentoring the Tigers’ hitters in Detroit. I expect Lloyd to be hired as a hitting coach in the coming weeks.

Personally, I really liked Lloyd McClendon. In many ways, he was my favorite Mariners’ manager since Lou Piniella. Lloyd was fiery, and fought for his players on and off the field. He had personality, and was never afraid to speak the truth.

According to Greg Johns of MLB.com, Jerry Dipoto already has a shortlist of candidates. The list is said to be headed by former Texas Rangers’ boss Tim Bogar. The 47-year-old led the Rangers to a record of 14-8 in 2014 after taking over for Ron Washington. Dipoto hired Bogar to serve as a special assistant to the GM in Anaheim last offseason.

However, there are plenty of veteran managers currently looking for work. If the M’s choose to go the experienced route, names like Bud Black, Rick Renteria and Ron Gardenhire would all make sense.

I would like to see a pair of former Mariners get interviewed for the M’s managerial vacancy. Joey Cora has been linked to the job before, and I think he could potentially be a solid fit in Seattle. Cora spent 8 seasons coaching with Ozzie Guillen, and is deserving of a look.

Dan Wilson is another intriguing option for the job. Wilson is one of the most respected players in club history, and was a steading force behind the plate for 14 big league seasons. He has no managerial experience, but Wilson has served as the minor league catching instructor since 2013.

More from SoDo Mojo

• Mariners starting pitching is being overlooked by MLB
• Baking the Cake: An Adjusted Mariners Offseason Plan
• Taylor Trammell Could Provide Impact to 2023 Mariners
• How the Mariners could swing a trade for Fernando Tatis Jr
• What Jerry Dipoto’s trades, comments mean for remainder of Mariners offseason