MVN - Most Valuable Network

GM Candidates for the Seattle Mariners

After writing my piece yesterday about what the Seattle Mariners need to do, I got to thinking about who would be in charge and how they would go about the reconstruction of the Seattle Mariners. There are going to be numerous names thrown out there, but I think there is going to be a small list that will get real consideration. Armstrong and Lincoln did fire “old school thinking” Bavasi, but I don’t think they are ready to jump all the way into the “nerd” pool just yet and nor should they. I’m a firm believer of using both philosophies when evaluating talent and putting together a major league baseball team. Hopefully the suits have learned from their mistake and don’t go too far, but settle in the middle with a guy that understands both sides of the field.

Seattle isn’t going to have a hard time selling their GM opening to potential suiters for several reasons. First, there are so few GM positions that many will jump at the opportunity. Second, the Mariners have a huge payroll and have one of the best international scouting system set up. Thirdly, the M’s have a owner that stays out of their business and for the most part Armstrong and Lincoln do to. Finally, the Seattle market is not as intense as other markets around the U.S. and the new GM is going to be given plenty of time to put his or her stamp on the team.

Now on to the list of possible candidates:

Very Unlikely

1. Chris Antonetti (assistant GM in Cleveland) This is USSMariner’s poster boy and a very good candidate for the job, but it’s not going to happen for a couple of reasons. Antonetti probably isn’t going anywhere becuase he is next in line to take over in Cleveland. And the “suits” aren’t going to go full fledge into sabermetrics which Antonetti is known for and he doesn’t have the flair of past GMs.

2. Pat Gillick (Phillies GM) It’s been reported of a possible return to Seattle, but several sources have stated that as long as Armstrong is in charge there is no chance of a return. Gillick would be a solid hire. He gets a bad rap for dealing the farm system, but in reality did a much better job than others. Not my first choice, but certainly wouldn’t be the worst.

3. David Frost (A’s assistant GM) Another strong candidate that won’t happen for some of the same reasons stated for Antonett; next in line after Billy Beane, to much of a stat head for the suits. And don’t forget within the division which would complicate things even more.

4. Lee Pelekoudas (interim M’s GM) I can’t see them hiring one of Bavasi’s boys to take over. If they wanted Lee they would have kept Bavasi because they seem to be of the same frame of thought when it comes to baseball operations.

Somewhat Likely, but still a long shot

1. Brian Cashman (Yankees GM) This one is hard to read because it does seem that he has been given more control and already has the highest payroll and the most resources. But if he is looking for less pressure and total control than Seattle would be the perfect fit. He would be in my top three, but I’m not sure if he is really available.

2. Kim Ng (Dodgers assistant GM) She has built up quite the rep in LA, but I’m not sure if she has had enough experience to be given the reigns of the M’s. The “suits” would have to do a one eighty to hire her. But she is going to get a GM job in the future and maybe Seattle will give her that shot.

The Real Candidates

1. John Ricco (Mets assistant GM) Ricco is the perfect candidate for the “suits” because he offers a new direction without abandoning the “old school” approach- basically the best of both worlds. He has experience in media relations and has handled a big market and high payroll before.

2. Tony LaCava (Jays Player Personnel Director) From what I’ve read this guy has done everything and is good at whatever he does, many can’t believe he hasn’t been given a shot before. Plus with his background as a scouting director he should be a good candidate to build within, which the M’s need to start doing. I think this is one of the guys the “suits” will take a very long look at.

3. Jed Hoyer (Red Soxs assistant GM) Epstein’s right hand man in Boston and one of many young assistant GMs ready to take over a major league team. I’m not sure the “suits” would go for a young guy, but by all accounts he comes across very well and he has the experience to back it up.

4. Kevin Towers (Padres GM) He could be the number one on the short list for Armstrong and Lincoln. He is well know, has prior history running an organization, and would be a small shift in direction. He is under contract and hasn’t stated he wants to leave, but could get snagged by Seattle’s appeal.

Now this list assumes that the front office wants to go in a new direction and didn’t just fire Bavasi becuase of media relations. I think that there is going to be change and I think they will go with someone new, but not too far in the other direction. I think they will interview what they know, but in the end I think they will go with John Ricco from New York. Pretty much everyone on this list would do a better job than Bavasi.

Next Up Potential Managers

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 24th, 2008 at 3:09 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.