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Find out more about Andrew: Andy considers himself a die-hard Seattle sports fan. Although he graduated from the University of Arizona, he still keeps his loyalty to the Huskies (unless they're playing the 'Cats). If you want an unbiased opinion on the Mariners, Seahawks, Huskies and everything Emerald City, Andy's the man. |
Don Wakamatsu is the new Mariners manager. Of course Jack Zduriencik picks the candidate with the longest last name.
I’m not too sure I like the decision though. I really wanted to see Joey Cora in an M’s uniform once more and I think he would bring a lot of passion back to Seattle, especially after coaching under fireball Ozzie Guillen.
So who is this new manager? Wilbur Donald Wakamatsu was born in Hood River, Oregon and played professionally only during the 1991 season as a backup catcher for the Chicago White Sox. This bodes will for his managerial position, as catchers have historically made pretty good managers, namely Yogi Berra, Mike Scioscia and Bob Melvin.
The Mariners will be Wakamatsu’s third A.L. West team, as he spent last year at the Oakland Athletics bench coach and the four years before that as a bench and third base coach for the Texas Rangers. The last time he was a manager was 2000 for the Erie Sea Wolves, a AA affiliate for the Anaheim Angels.
Was this the right call for the M’s? I think we’ll see whether or not after the first month of the season. If the Mariners can end April better than 12-15 (2008’s total) then Wakamatsu was a good decision. If they’re worse and finish May with even more losses, there could be a new interim manager.
Finally, after the Kenji Johjima contract debacle, which was influenced by the Japanese piece of the M’s ownership, doesn’t this hiring make you a bit suspicious that it’s happening again? Was Don Wakamatsu really the best choice for the Mariners?
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