Add Seattle to the list of clubs that will be seeking a new manager this winter. According to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Lloyd McClendon will not return to manage the Mariners in 2016.
Although the Mariners thrived under McClendon when he first took over in 2009, the club has regressed over the last two seasons. After going 87-75 in 2014, the Mariners ended the 2015 campaign at 76-86. Seattle was expected to compete for a playoff spot before the start of the season.
When General Manager Jack Zduriencik was fired at the end of August as a result of the team's struggles, McClendon's future with the organization was questioned. McClendon is under contract for 2016, however new General Manager Jerry Dipoto now has the ability to hire his own manager.
Divish adds Dipoto was given the choice of having McClendon manage next season or hiring his own manager. Dipoto and McClendon reportedly met this week to determine how to move forward.
While Dipoto will likely interview a handful of candidates, Divish notes Angels assistant Tim Bogar is expected to be the favorite. Bogar was a special assistant in the Angels front office under Dipoto.
Bogar was Texas' bench coach for two seasons and took over last September when Ron Washington resigned. The Rangers responded by going 14-8 under Bogar to end the year.
In addition to his experience with Texas, Bogar also spent four years coaching within the minor leagues. He worked under Joe Maddon in Tampa in 2008 and subsequently spent three seasons on Boston's coaching staff.
Bud Black could also be a candidate for the job. The next Mariners manager will be the seventh since 2001.