HeraldNet: Mariners release Sexson



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Mariners Blog

July 10, 2008

Mariners release Sexson

Posted at 10:43 am by By Kirby Arnold

As Richie Sexson's hitting struggles went from bad to worse to difficult to watch, it seemed only a matter of time before the Mariners would cut him loose.

Today they did.

The Mariners announced a few minutes ago that they have released the 6-foot-8 first baseman, who was batting .218 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI in 74 games.

“We felt that at this time it was in the best interest of the ballclub, and in Richie’s best interest, to make this move,” interim GM Lee Pelekoudas said.

The Mariners also placed starting pitcher Erik Bedard (tight left shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list and called up infielder Tug Hulett and pitcher Jared Wells from Class AAA Tacoma.

In releasing Sexson, the Mariners are swallowing what remains of the $14 million they're paying him this season. Former GM Bill Bavasi signed Sexson on Dec. 15, 2004, to a four-year, $50 million contract. Sexson delivered as the club had hoped in his first two years, with more than 30 doubles, 30 homers and 100 RBI, but struggled the past season and a half.

Sexson becomes the first player of note to pay the price for the Mariners' last-place season. Last month, Bavasi and manager John McLaren were fired, and team CEO Howard Lincoln issued a stern warning that underperforming players would be the next to go.

The Herald reported June 18 that the Mariners had begun procedures to release Sexson.

Sexson's hitting problems because so severe that he changed to a new open batting stance. It appeared to help him see the ball better but also rendered him as little more than a singles hitter. Since May 24, he'd hit only two home runs.

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