UPDATE: Here's the latest from FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal:
#Mariners quietly have been reaching out to candidates. Have contacted former #Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd, among others, according to sources.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 28, 2015
Also, in his first move as general manager, Jeff Kingston has demoted catcher Mike Zunino to Triple-A, according to Shannon Drayer of ESPN Seattle.
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Seattle Mariners' general manager Jack Zduriencik had been subject to much speculation this season regarding his job security because of the team's poor performance. Rumors suggesting he was on the hot seat are now over.
The Mariners fired Zduriencik on Friday, according to the team's public relations Twitter account. Assistant general manager Jeff Kingston will assume Zduriencik's responsibilities for the remainder of the 2015 MLB season.
Team president Kevin Mather released a statement regarding the move, via the Seattle Times:
"We have reached the point when change of leadership of our baseball operations is needed for the Seattle Mariners to reach our goal of winning championships. We are very disappointed with the results this season, and are not satisfied with the current operation. The search for a permanent general manager will begin immediately, and while there is no deadline, we expect to have a new GM in place as soon as practical. We have great respect for Jack and his work ethic. He was an excellent representative of the Mariners both within the game of baseball and in the community. On behalf of the entire organization, I wish him and (his wife) Debbie all the best, and thank him for all his efforts."
After signing a number of high-priced free agents in recent offseasons and extending some productive players of their own, the Mariners (59-69) have failed to produce this year. They missed the postseason by just one game in 2014, which led many to believe they would be a force in the AL in 2015.
Zduriencik served as the Mariners' general manager since 2008 and it was reported he signed a contract extension with the team last August, although the details of the deal weren't released. In the past two years he landed Robinson Cano, Austin Jackson, Nelson Cruz, Seth Smith, Mark Trumbo and others, which contributed to a significantly increased payroll.
Seattle has not made the playoffs since 2001. The club finished with a winning record only twice under Zduriencik's oversight, but never achieved a 90-win campaign.
However, a number of MLB clubs will be looking for general managers between now and the offseason, so it's possible Zduriencik will have a good amount of job opportunities.
