Mariners to hire Lloyd McClendon as manager

The Mariners are expected to be big players on the market this winter, but they needed a manager first. They appear to have that issue settled. They will announce the hiring of former Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon today or tomorrow.

@JonHeymanCBS That's one smart body of water!

— Matthew Leach (@MatthewHLeach) November 5, 2013

As a Major League first baseman/outfielder in the late-80s/early-90s, he slashed .244/.321/.381 in 570 games in his career for the Pirates, Cubs, and Reds. He was used mostly as a utility player and bounced back and forth from the minors to the majors.

McClendon isn't new to the position. He managed the Pirates from 2001-2005, posting a .429 winning percentage over that time. He has been with the Tigers since.

The Mariners went 71-91 in 2013 and manager Eric Wedge promptly stepped down after the season, citing a difference in philosophy. The AL West has been dominated by the A's and Rangers over the last several seasons, so McClendon will have his work cut out for him in replacing Wedge. The Mariners might be ready to do their part as well. They've been linked to some the most sought after (and expensive) free agents on the market.

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