Mariners Analysis: Lloyd McClendon to Coach in ASG

Well, that news came down this morning. Royals manager Ned Yost has selected McClendon to his all-star game coaching staff. He’s also added A.J. Hinch of the surprising Houston Astros.

The all-star game will be held on Tuesday, July 14 in Cincinnati.

At the end of the day, who the assistant coaches in the ASG are doesn’t really matter. It’s interesting, it’s of note, and it’s a chance for us at home to get a sense of pride in pre-game introductions.

I like Lloyd McClendon. I think he’s been good for the Mariners. After Bob Melvin and Don Wakamatsu and Eric Wedge, I think the M’s needed a voice with a calm intensity to help lead young talent into the next generation of Mariners baseball.

I think Lloyd McClendon knows hitting and I think he’s been of help in developing the confidence of young players. Even though some are tiring of his devotion to Fernando Rodney, I respect that he doesn’t get too paranoid and doesn’t get too high or too low. You need that even keel over a 162-game season, and fans at home, perhaps none more so than myself, tend to forget that.

And oh yeah, I respect that Lloyd sticks up for his players. Because this: This is certainly all-star caliber. Thanks MLB.com for having it.

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I don’t know which Mariners will be joining Lloyd in Cincinnati. It will most definitely be Felix Hernandez. It will be Nelson Cruz, in all likelihood. Maybe Kyle Seager. But regardless, whoever is there representing the Mariners, I’ll have a sense of pride in rooting for.

And that includes Lloyd McClendon.

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