Unforgettably, the Seattle Mariners were downright bad at the plate last season, finishing 22nd in Major League Baseball in OPS (.687). They simply could not hit with runners in scoring position, and it was difficult to watch Seattle's lineup limp to the finish line as they let a 10-game lead in the AL West slip through their hands and ultimately miss out on the postseason.
Mariners fans were punished once again, and those responsible for some of the pain wound up being rewarded in the long run.
Trying to move on from an ugly stretch in the regular season, the Mariners fired manager Scott Servais and hitting coach Jarret DeHart last August. Although Seattle was worse than the White Sox's offense when DeHart was let go, he's found a new gig with a more successful organization, and in a better role. DeHart, perhaps surprisingly, was hired by the Yankees as the new Director of Hitting.
Fired Mariners hitting coach Jarret DeHart lands with Yankees in expanded role
Can Seattle blame all of their problems on DeHart? Of course not, but considering the way the Mariners collapsed before his firing, it's puzzling to see the reigning American League champions give him the keys to the lineup.
The Bronx Bombers can call it a homecoming for the newest hire. DeHart grew up in South Jersey and was always a Yankees fan. While that's a feel-good story, Mariners fans can understandably scratch their heads at New York's decision. Led by Aaron Judge, the Yankees have one of the stronger lineups in the American League with James Rowson as the hitting coach, so why bring DeHart on board? He clearly nailed the interview, we guess.
The M's can now completely forget about DeHart and wish him well. Hopefully, Edgar Martinez can help turn the ship around in Seattle, even if the club is not having a great offseason. Martinez is a fan favorite and a Hall of Famer, so fans are able to hang their hats on making the lineup more cohesive.
Whether the Mariners are better offensively under Martinez is left to be seen, but many would wager he'll be better than DeHart, who oversaw one of the worst offenses in recent memory.