Mariners fire hitting coach Alan Cockrell

After compiling a league-worst .225 average and driving in the least amount of runs in the AL, the Mariners have decided to part ways with hitting coach Alan Cockrell. Cockrell has been with the team since the beginning of the 2009 season, but the decision to relieve him came after another M's loss last night, putting the losing streak at eight straight games.

"I think you get to the point in time when change is inevitable," Mariners GM Zduriencik said in the announcement. "I think we've arrived at that point now. Alan is a tremendous worker and a tremendous person, and we wish him the very best. We thank AC for his dedication and all that he's brought to the Mariners organization."

The Mariners called up Triple-A hitting coach Alonzo Powell. It will be interesting to see how Powell does with the Mariners. The Tacoma Rainiers, where Powell is coaching, is at the bottom half of most statistical categories, which should suggest that the team could find a replacement from outside the organization midseason.