Seattle Times: Baker: Zduriencik wants “guys who are winners”

In today’s presser, JZ put in good words for clutch hitting, clubhouse leadership, and counting the rings. No gorilla suit was in evidence.

On the subject of a new manager, he spelled out what he’s looking for in his ideal candidates:

“What you’re looking for is, you’re looking for guys who want to achieve,’’ he said. “You’re looking for guys who are winners and you’re looking for guys who have a track record of success.’‘

That would seem to preclude any current bench coaches who’ve yet to manage elsewhere. But then again, it depends on how one defines “success”. A bench coach like Brad Mills in Boston has certainly achieved success and has the rings to prove it. But it didn’t sound like that was the candidate Zduriencik was describing.

[...] On the issue of leadership, in and outside the clubhouse, he said: “I think the manager sets the tone. If you look at an army…you have a general. But that general has his lieutenants as well.’‘

Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln attempted to fend off critics who suggest he and team president Chuck Armstrong will be heavily involved in influencing Zduriencik’s decisions.

“This is a tough, seasoned executive,’’ Lincoln said. “He’s been around this team a long time. He is going to make the decisions. Jack Zduriencik is the man who is going to be making the baseball decisions for the Seattle Mariners.’‘