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<< Previous   of   Next >> Associated Press  (click to enlarge) First baseman Russell Branyan, who signed a free-agent contract with the Mariners, has 133 career home runs in 2,000 career at bats in 11 major league seasons with seven different teams.   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • How 'bout them M's? 1/5/09   CONTACT THE HERALD Report scores and results to 425-339-3470 or 1-866-6-SCORES (Call after 4:30 p.m.) E-mail information including items for Tuesday's Communities Sports Roundup and Thursday's Outdoor Calendar, to sports@heraldnet.com Kevin Brown, Sports Editor kbrown@heraldnet.com   Published: Monday, January 5, 2009 Mariners: Missions accomplished Here are some of the key issues the Mariners have dealt with this offseason: Hire a general manager: Before the Mariners could address any of their problems on the roster, they had to hire someone to make those moves. Jack Zduriencik, the highly regarded scouting director who helped turn the Brewers into a playoff team, got the job based on his ability to judge talent and use modern-day statistical analysis to his advantage. Hire a manager, coaching staff: Zduriencik sought a man with energy, passion and the ability to communicate and motivate. He interviewed seven finalists -- none with any major league managing experience -- and hired Oakland A's bench coach Don Wakamatsu. The new skipper then assembled an entirely new staff to the M's -- bench coach Ty Van Burkleo, hitting coach Alan Cockrell, pitching coach Rick Adair, third-base coach Bruce Hines, first-base coach Lee Tinsley and bullpen coach John Wetteland. Left-handed power: Offense is the Mariners' biggest offseason priority, and Zduriencik's first key signing was left-handed-hitting slugger Russell Branyan, who'll play first base. Mariners fans obviously were suspicious, having experienced last year's flop of Brad Wilkerson, who also was signed to provide left-handed power. Better outfield defense: The 12-player trade with the Mets and Indians brought seven players to the Mariners, including outfielders Franklin Gutierrez and Endy Chavez. Gutierrez will display his defensive wizardry in center field, where he could be the Mariners' best defender there since Mike Cameron. Chavez also has a stellar glove and would be the starter in left field if the season started today, although the Mariners would like to add a better hitter in that position. Restock talent throughout the system: The previous regime traded away several highly regarded prospects who wound up in the big leagues the past few years. Remember Shin Soo Choo, Asdrubal Cabrera, Adam Jones, Chris Tillman? All were traded away. One of Zduriencik's first moves to replenish a fairly bare cupboard was the signing of infielder Chris Shelton to a minor league contract. In the big trade that sent closer J.J. Putz, reliever Sean Green and outfielder Jeremy Reed to the Mets, among the minor leaguers the M's got in return were left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas, first baseman Mike Carp, outfielder Ezequiel Carrera and right-handed pitcher Maikel Cleto. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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