Mariners fire Lloyd McClendon after 2 seasons

SEATTLE — Those get-acquainted sessions between new Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto and manager Lloyd McClendon apparently didn’t go well.

At least not well enough.

Dipoto fired McClendon and several coaches Friday in his latest move to overhaul an organization that hasn’t reached the postseason since 2001.

“After extensive conversations,” Dipoto said, “it became clear to me that our baseball philosophies were not closely aligned.”

Dipoto declined to provide specifics.

“In the end,” he said, “I just didn’t feel like it was a very good match between Lloyd and I. I respect his baseball. I admire his professionalism for having the players play hard through the final day. I told him so.

“He’s a good baseball man and an honorable person. I thanked him for his time with the Mariners, and now it’s time for us to look forward.”

The Mariners plan to retain hitting coach Edgar Martinez and infield coach Chris Woodward on their big-league staff and will offer other positions in the organization to pitching coach Rick Waits and coach Chris Prieto.

But bench coach Trent Jewett, third-base coach Rich Donnelly, outfield coach Andy Van Slyke and bullpen coach Mike Rojas will not return.

McClendon said he had not spoken with Dipoto since Monday before receiving a phone call Friday that he would not return for the final season of his three-year contract.

“I wish the Seattle Mariners the best,” McClendon said, “and I want to thank everyone connected with the organization for my time there. The Seattle fans are great, and they deserve a winner.

“I think this team is on the way to being a winner. Unfortunately, I won’t be there when it happens, but I take pride in knowing they’re better than when I got there.”

Speculation regarding a replacement is already focusing on Tim Bogar, whom Dipoto hired a year ago, while general manager of the Los Angeles Angels, to serve as a special assistant in his front office.

Bogar, 48, is a former big-league infielder, who stepped in as interim manager of the Texas Rangers for the final 22 games in 2014. He was Dipoto’s teammate in 1995-96 on the New York Mets.

Former San Diego manager Bud Black is also viewed as a possibility.

Dipoto said he already has a short list of candidates — “I’m not likely to share it at any time soon” — and will start the search process immediately.

“We will look to discuss possibilities with other teams around league as the contract season draws to an end,” he said. “I know a lot of people in baseball; people who understand me and trust the style.”

Most non-playing contracts in baseball run through Oct. 31.

Dipoto said he wants someone with a major-league background as a player, coach or manager.

“I think that lends to credibility in a clubhouse,” he said. “Other than that, it’s going to be about leadership, about team-building and about the ability to inspire an environment.”

Dipoto downplayed his reputation for having an analytics-driven approach but agreed he wants a manager who is receptive to such information.

That’s no surprise.

Dipoto’s resignation on July 1 as the Angels general manager after three-plus years stemmed, at least in part, from friction with manager Mike Scioscia over the application of analytical analysis.

“I like for everyone to use information in a positive way,” Dipoto said. “Critical thinking and decision-making are important. And you can’t make those decisions without the information.

“Through the course of a baseball game, it is not all about the data you’re provided and it’s not all about what you’re seeing with your eyes. It’s somewhere in-between.

“A prerequisite is to find someone who has the ability to balance those two things in an effective way.”

Dipoto said, when hired Sept. 28 by the Mariners, that he wanted to get to know McClendon before reaching a decision. Dipoto hedged when asked what those discussions revealed.

“I’m not going to get into any criticism of him as a person or a manager,” he said. “I learned that I like Lloyd a great deal. … At the end of the day, this was an opportunity to come into an organization and create a vision.

“I feel this is the best way to do that.”

McClendon, 56, compiled a 163-161 record in his two years, which means he joins Lou Piniella as the only managers in franchise history to compile a winning record.

But the Mariners struggled to a disappointing 76-86 record this season after being touted in spring training as a strong postseason contender.

Dipoto said he planned to use October to reshape his staff and has moved quickly to do so.

Chris Gwynn resigned Thursday as the director of player development, and the Mariners previously confirmed three other top front-office officials would not return: Ted Simmons, Pete Vuckovich and Joe McIlvaine.

Simmons was a senior advisor to the general manager; Vuckovich and McIlvaine served as special assistants to the general manager.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.