The Seattle Mariners fired general manager Jack Zduriencik last Friday after six losing seasons in the past eight years. Assistant GM Jeff Kingston is taking Zduriencik's place for the time being, but team president Kevin Mather is looking for an experienced general manager for 2016 and beyond.
Former Los Angeles Angels GM Jerry Dipoto is on Mather's radar, according to the latest rumors.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe touched upon this in his Sunday Baseball Notes:
"Dipoto is executing his three-month contract with the Red Sox, evaluating Boston's farm system and major league team ... he could also be a prime candidate in Seattle."
Then last night a report from FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal confirmed that speculation.
Sources: Former #Angels GM Jerry Dipoto a candidate for #Mariners' GM opening. Team plans to interview him.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 4, 2015
Mather expects to hire an experienced GM: "We're not going to take three years to learn on the job."
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) August 28, 2015
Dipoto resigned from his post as general manager of the Los Angeles Angels in July due to differences with manager Mike Scioscia. He's now with in Boston serving as a consultant, but he's expected to garner much interest around the MLB between now and the offseason due to the large turnover of GMs throughout the league.
The Mariners hired Zduriencik over Dipoto back in 2008 when the two made the final round of interviews.
It's unknown who else the Mariners are considering (aside from Ben Cherington), but Rosenthal also noted Miami Marlins' manager (and former GM) Dan Jennings could be looking to make the move to Seattle.
"Jennings, who is under contract to the Marlins through 2018, has strong interest in pursuing the Seattle Mariners' GM opening, sources say -- an indication that he might finally be restless under [owner Jeffrey] Loria, for whom he has worked since '02."
Jennings is expected to be removed as manager and make a return to the front office, but the latest rumors indicate his relationship with Loria has become strained due to the team's poor 2015 campaign.
However, Mather also noted he will consider internal candidates for the position, including Kingston. Since taking over last Friday, Kingston has traded outfielders Austin Jackson and Justin Ruggiano and optioned catcher Mike Zunino, starter Mike Montgomery and first baseman/catcher Jesus Montero to Triple-A.
If his moves improve Seattle for the final month of the season, there could be an outside chance he lands the job.
Stay tuned for updates on the Mariners' GM search.
