The Seattle Mariners are kicking their search for a new manager into high gear this week, formally interviewing at least four candidates. Since Don Wakamatsu was fired during a dismal 2010 campaign, the Mariners have been searching for a long-term answer. The news of his replacement could come fast, as General Manager Jack Zduriencik and CEO Howard Lincoln are
710 ESPN's Shannon Drayer reported today that the Mariners are interviewing four candidates, one of which who's long been rumored for the job.
According to sources there are two more names to add to the list. One is not a surprise as Bobby Valentine will indeed be considered and very well may be the front-runner. Then there is a new name. Also interviewing this week will be former Astros skipper Cecil Cooper. An interesting name.
Valentine is the name that just won't go away for the Mariners. Since leaving to coach in Japan before returning as an ESPN analyst, the former Mets skipper has been linked to every open job in the books. With formal acknowledgment that he's in the running for the Seattle job, expect the calls for Valentine to continue.
Cooper is an obvious choice for the Mariners, as well, due in large part to his ties to Zduriencik. Zdruiencik and Cooper worked together in the Brewers system, where Cooper worked following his playing days.
Eric Wedge and John Gibbons are the other two names the Mariners have confirmed. The four names indicate the Mariners are looking for candidates with experience over taking an up-and-comer on to lead the M's.
One name not on the list is former Mariner Joey Cora. There was some thought floating around that Cora could be a potential replacement for Wakamatsu, but it appears the Mariners have taken a pass on the White Sox bench coach.
The Mariners brass would like a replacement named before the World Series, so expect information to come fast as they move forward.