Seattle, WA (My Sportsbook) - The
Seattle Mariners announced Wednesday that they have named Jack Zduriencik executive vice president and general manager.
Zduriencik, 57, spent the past nine seasons working in the front office of the Milwaukee Brewers, and ascended to the role of vice president - special assistant to the general manager for player personnel in January 2008, just prior to a season in which the largely homegrown Brewers won the National League wild card and advanced to the postseason for the first time since 1982.
He replaces interim GM Lee Pelekoudas, who took the job in June after Bill Bavasi was fired. The Mariners fired Bavasi after a 24-46 start this season, his fifth as Seattle GM.
The Mariners finished 61-101 this season, the worst record in the American League, and took the dubious honor of becoming the first team in major league history to lose 100 games with a payroll of $100 million.
"I am very excited by this opportunity," Zduriencik said. "Seattle is an outstanding organization with great fans, a great ballpark and an ownership group committed to the goal of bringing a World Series to the Northwest. I believe that working together, we can make the Mariners a model franchise. I am looking forward to getting to work immediately, and developing a plan to reach our goal."
A 25-year veteran of major league baseball, Zduriencik also worked as a scout and in other roles for the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Los Angeles Dodgers prior to coming to Milwaukee in 1999.
Zduriencik directed all scouting for the Brewers, and after the 2007 season was named Baseball America's Executive of the Year, the first non-GM ever to win. Under his watch the Brewers drafted the likes of first baseman Prince Fielder, shortstop J.J. Hardy, outfielder Ryan Braun, pitcher Yovani Gallardo, and outfielder Matt LaPorta, the star prospect sent to Cleveland in the CC Sabathia trade.
"Today is a very exciting day for the Mariners," said club president Chuck Armstrong. "We believe Jack is the best person to provide a new approach and to lead our baseball operations. He has a proven track record of recognizing talent, both on the field and in the front office."
