The Seattle Mariners have their guy, announcing that they have settled on former Pittsburgh Pirates manager, and current Detroit Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon as the team’s new manager. McLendon will take the reigns and becomes the 16th manager in franchise history.
McClendon managed the Pirates from 2001-2005, compiling a 336-446 record. He has been the Tigers’ hitting coach since 2007, but was passed over for their managerial job when the club went with Brad Ausmus to replace the departing Jim Leyland.
“Lloyd is a bright and articulate guy,” Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik said. “He has Major League managerial experience and has served in a vital capacity in Detroit under one of the game’s best managers. He is a tireless worker and is very respected by the players with whom he has worked. We look forward to Lloyd embracing our players as we move the Mariners forward.”
The 54-year-0ld, McClendon is a veteran of 34 years in professional baseball as a player, coach, minor league manager, and MLB manager.
McClendon replaces Eric Wedge who led the Mariners to a 71-91 record, and was unable to get a single winning season in his three years with the club.
Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach, White Sox bench coach Joey Cora, Padres bench coach Rick Renteria, and A’s bench coach Chip Hale were the other finalists interviewed for the job.
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