M’s Zduriencik fires back at critics

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Seattle Mariners fired back Monday morning at two disgruntled former employees over their allegations of meddling and incompetence among the club’s top executives.

General manager Jack Zduriencik issued a statement on the first day of the Winter Meetings, in hopes of minimizing fallout from the article, which appeared in Sunday’s editions of The Seattle Times.

The article painted a grim picture of disarray in the club’s upper management in assertions by ex-manager Eric Wedge, and Tony Blengino, who served as a special assistant to Zduriencik for statistical analysis.

Zduriencik’s statement categorically denied allegations that he, chairman and chief executive officer Howard Lincoln and president and chief operating officer Chuck Armstrong engaged in meddling.

“I have worked for several major league organizations,” Zduriencik said in the statement. “Our upper management has suggestions and asks questions, just like CEOs and presidents in other organizations do, all to be helpful and contribute to the goal of winning.”

The Mariners recently jolted the baseball world by agreeing to terms with free-agent second baseman Robinson Cano on a 10-year contract for $240 million. That deal should become official later this week.

Numerous reports also link the Mariners to several other top free agents and attractive trade targets as they seek to reverse a run of four straight losing seasons.

Zduriencik’s statement sought to shift focus to those efforts.

“Over the years,” it began, “we have chosen to take the high road in talking about former Mariners’ personnel. It hasn’t always been easy, but we felt it was important to do so, not just for the club but also for the individual.

“And in every case, it proved to be the right way to handle things. However, we believe the comments made by former members of our organization that appeared in the Sunday Seattle Times require a brief response.”

Wedge turned down a contract extension late in the season, preferring to quit because of what he characterized in The Times article as a “total dysfunction and a lack of leadership.”

That dysfunction, Wedge said, included interference with routine managerial duties.

Zduriencik’s statement contends Wedge faced nothing out of the ordinary.

“When there are areas that need improvement,” Zduriencik’s statement said, “it’s my job to ask questions, suggest ideas and give direction to the field staff.

“When upper management has questions or suggestions, it’s my job to respond to them. I don’t believe meddling is a fair portrayal.”

The statement also addressed Wedge’s irritation at the suggestion of implementing extra on-field early practice for young players late in the season.

Wedge said the club’s trainers warned the players were too worn out for the extra work to be beneficial. Zduriencik disagreed.

“That suggestion was mine,” the statement said. “Everyone in the baseball department thought this would be a good teaching time to help us improve our fundamentals with a young team and help set the tone for spring training.”

Blegnino was highly critical of Zduriencik’s management style, characterizing it as “intimidating, manipulating, and pitting people against one another. Berating them for no particular reason.”

Zduriencik’s statement seemed to dismiss Blegnino, whose contract was not renewed for 2014, as little more than a disgruntled former employee.

“I can also say that our current statistical analysis group is doing excellent work,” the statement said. “Our dedicated staff and the tools they are using are a key component in our decision-making process, and are light years ahead of where we’ve been.

“I am engaged with their work on a daily basis and very excited in the improvements made. We have never deviated from our rebuilding plan. We have stayed the course, and we now had a talented group of young players.

“We are hard at work looking into every option to add to this core group, as we said we would, and we are looking forward to 2014 and beyond.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck 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)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

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.

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.

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.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

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

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

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.