The Seattle Mariners might be set to name Detroit Tigers hitting coach, and former Pirates manager, Lloyd McClendon as their next manager.
I say might, because it depends on what report you believe. The Puget Sound Business Journal – reputable enough, apparently, that many others are running with their scoop – reports that the Mariners will name McClendon, one of the finalists for the job, as their new manager. Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times, however, reports that McClendon has told him that he hasn’t heard anything from the Mariners yet.
I guess we’ll see how this plays out.
Should the Mariners opt for McClendon, though, the Cubs will suddenly be in an advantageous position with respect their job, insofar as it will be the last open managerial position, and none of their candidates will have been taken by the Mariners (who were known to be interested in Rick Renteria, at least).
The Cubs, of course, are still waiting for resolution on the Torey Lovullo-induced slap fight with the Red Sox before deciding on a manager. It would be too simplistic to say that it’s down to Lovullo and Renteria, even if the latter is widely viewed as the favorite to land the Cubs’ gig. A decision is ultimately expected before next Monday’s start of the GM Meetings.