Mariners Morning News (11/02/2013)

Oct 19, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact fans unfurl a banner that reads “wake up” before the match against the Philadelphia Union at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

“Hello everybody, nice seeing you again.” Those of you from the Portland, Ore. area probably recognize that quote from former KOIN sports anchor Ed Whelan. I’m feeling a lot like the “Big Daddy” of local sports this morning as I launch this new segment for the offseason, Mariners Morning News.

Every Saturday morning from now until Spring Training, I will give you a quick rundown of the latest happenings within the organization over the past week. So grab your cup of coffee and your Top Pot donuts because this is a Mariners Morning.

Aug 15, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Seattle Mariners acting manager coach Robby Thompson (6) in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners Fire Robby Thompson

While most of us have been watching, waiting to see who the next manager of the Mariners will be, the organization very quietly cleaned some house this past week. The Mariners fired bench coach Robby Thompson and told 3rd-base coach Jeff Datz that he is welcome back to the team in a scouting role but is not welcome back in the dugout.

No reason has been cited as to why Thompson was fired. Thompson was close to former skipper Eric Wedge, who walked away at season’s end.

September 22, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Kendrys Morales (8) before coming up to bat in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners Offer One-Year Deal To Morales

As expected and as we reported weeks ago, the Mariners will make a one-year qualifying offer to free agent Kendrys Morales. But Morales will more than likely receive plenty of attention on the market, meaning he will most likely decline the offer.

According to Geoff Baker at the Seattle Times, agent Scott Boras has already been fielding calls for his clients, including Morales.

“I think the ball landed in (Red Sox catcher David) Ross’ glove and I got three calls within the first 15 minutes,”

Boras said he has received calls from 17 to 18 teams already, mostly regarding free agent Jacoby Ellsbury. When asked if Jack Zduriencik was one of those that had been in contact, Boras simply replied:

“I would label Jack as a wise GM, let’s put it that way,”

May 14, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins bench coach Joey Cora (28) during batting practice before a game against he Pittsburgh Pirates at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Finalists For Mariners Skipper To Be Interviewed

After hearing multiple reports of who had a preliminary interview with Jack Z for M’s skipper, we have heard of two of the finalists on that list.

Shannon Drayer was on 710ESPN Seattle Friday and dropped this one on us via Twitter.

Not sure whether or not Chip Hale, Ron Wotus, Lloyd McClendon, Dave Valle or Tim Wallach are getting a second interview. We do know now however that contrary to popular belief, Assistant GM Ted Simmons, Daren Brown (who was named interim manager when Don Wakamatsu was fired) and Robby Thompson did not even apply for the vacant position.