Mariners hire former Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon as manager
By Matt Shetler
It took a really long time, but former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon is getting another chance.
According to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman, the former Pirates skipper will be named the new manager of the Seattle Mariners.
mcclendon gets mariners job, confirmed. puget sound is correct.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 5, 2013
February 19, 2013; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers batting coach Lloyd McClendon (8) poses for a picture during photo day at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
McClendon fills the void in Seattle left by Eric Wedge.
I always thought McClendon deserved another shot at managing in the big leagues. Although he compiled only a record of 336-446 from 2001 to 2005 as the manager of the Pirates, he truly had no talent to work with at all.
Since being dismissed as Pirates manager in 2005, McClendon has spent the past eight seasons in Detroit with former Pirates manager Jim Leyland. The last seven of those years in Detroit were spent as the Tigers hitting coach. During that span, the Tigers have had one of the best offenses in baseball, and Miguel Cabrera won the 2012 Triple Crown.
McClendon can’t take all the credit for the Tigers success over the past few years, but he certainly should be praised.
However it is still an odd choice by the Mariners.
The Mariners haven’t made the playoffs since 2001 and have just two winning seasons since 2003. Bringing aboard a manager that has never won before is a bit intriguing.
However it will be nice to see McClendon get another shot. We will see if he is the guy who can turn the Mariners’ fortunes around.