SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners are looking for fresh thinking from their new general manager, and it appears they’ll get it from a first-timer in the job.
The Mariners have settled on a final four in their search for a GM, and the team could be in position to make an announcement early next week.
Called back for a second round of interviews late this week were Toronto assistant general manager Tony LaCava, Arizona player personnel director Jerry DiPoto, Los Angeles Dodgers assistant general manager Kim Ng and Milwaukee special assistant Jack Zduriencik.
The Mariners are not commenting on the search, but a person familiar with the process confirmed those names and said it’s unlikely the team will interview anyone else.
If so, the Mariners would be hiring a rookie GM for the first time in 22 years, when Dick Balderson took the job in 1986.
And, if it’s Ng, she would become the first female GM in major league history.
Others interviewed by Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln and president Chuck Armstrong were two internal candidates, interim GM Lee Pelekoudas and international operations director Bob Engle, plus Mets player development director Tony Bernazard and Diamondbacks assistant GM Peter Woodfork.
Interviews of the four finalists might continue into the weekend, but the process has advanced to the point that the Mariners could announce their new GM before the World Series begins on Wednesday.
Major league baseball discourages teams from making major announcements that would pull the spotlight away from the Series. But, even if the Mariners aren’t ready to introduce their new GM by Wednesday, they’re confident they could do it during an off-day in the Series. Off days are scheduled Oct. 24 and Oct. 28.
Zduriencik wasn’t among those considered in early speculation over who the Mariners had interviewed, but he brings a strong background of scouting and talent evaluation that intrigues the Mariners.
The 57-year-old was named Baseball America’s executive of the year in 2007, becoming the first non-GM to win the award.
Under Zduriencik’s direction, the Brewers drafted such young stars as Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, Ryan Braun and J.J. Hardy.
LaCava, 47, also has deep roots in scouting and player development with the Blue Jays, Braves, Expos and Indians.
DiPoto, 40, is a former relief pitcher with the Indians, Mets and Rockies and has been the Diamondbacks’ player personnel director since midway through the 2006 season. He held the same position with the Rockies in 2005 after working as a scout for two years with the Red Sox.
Ng, 39, has been the Dodgers’ assistant GM since 2001 after working with the Yankees under GM Brian Cashman. While known for having a firm grasp on statistical analysis of players, Ng also is considered strong in talent evaluation and player development.
Read Kirby Arnold’s blog on the Mariners at www.heraldnet.com
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