Mariners Updates: Coaching Staff, Edgar & Jr., MLB Proposal

Over the past week, there has been some news regarding the Seattle Mariners. The team announced its player development coaching staff, Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez get new roles, and the MLB proposed a 154-game season.

Although these are minor updates, they are worth talking about briefly.

Mariners players development staff

The Mariners recently finalized the player development staff, and there are some familiar names on the list.

Ryan Divish notes that Daren Brown is not on the list. He has been with Seattle for quite some time as the Triple-A manager. Brown became the winningest manager in Rainiers franchise history in 2019, when he won his 494th game all-time.

To replace him, Kristopher Negron steps in for his first managerial role. Negron played 28 games for the Mariners and was an assistant to Andy McKay last season.

You might also be familiar with names like Eric Young Jr. and Collin Cowgill. Young Jr. had a long 10-year career in the MLB and played against Seattle quite often towards the end of his career as a member of the Angels.

Like Young Jr., Cowgill spent some time in the AL West also. Cowgill played for the Angels and Athletics.

And then, of course, Shawn O’Malley should be the most popular name on this list. O’Malley didn’t have the lengthiest of careers but the hometown kid from Richland, WA played in Seattle for two seasons.

Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez get new roles

The Kid will now work alongside commissioner Rob Manfred as a special adviser. According to CBS Sports, he will most be focused on youth baseball development and promoting diversity at lower levels of baseball.

The influential figure will also be a league ambassador at youth initiatives and large events like the All-Star Game and the postseason.

Edgar Martinez is also taking on a new role. He was recently announced as one of the new Vice Presidents of the MLB Players Alumni Association alongside Chipper Jones and Barry Larkin.

MLB 2021 proposal

The biggest news of all is the MLB proposal to the MLBPA. Yesterday, the MLB submitted a proposal for a 154-game season without prorating player pay. It also includes a month delay of the regular season, expanding playoffs, and universal designated hitters.

MLB Trade Rumors says the deal has everything all stakeholders desire: full pay, expanded playoffs for owners, and a delayed start for health and safety.

But later in the evening, sources reported that the MLBPA is expected to reject the MLB proposal. That would mean Spring Training and the regular season would start on time.

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As far as the impact on the Mariners, it is promising to hear that the regular season will be nearly a full season or a full season. This is important for Seattle because we need the young guys to get as much game time as possible.

2020 slowed down the development of many prospects, and it might have an impact on how our top talents will perform this season. If 2021 were another shortened season, it would just delay the new wave of Mariners prospects.

Expanded playoffs are another big deal for Seattle. Just a week ago, the MLBPA rejected the MLB’s proposal for expanded playoffs. MLB Trade Rumors initially thought both sides may be able to agree, it seems that recent developments may have changed things.

Seattle fans have been waiting a long time to end the playoff drought and expanded playoffs certainly boost our chances. The team nearly made a late-season push for the final spot last season.

With the AL West slowly changing and losing its power, there is a glimpse of hope for Mariners fans if playoffs are expanded. We will just have to continue waiting.