Today, the Seattle Mariners did what many expected them to do by the end of the year, firing long-time general manager Jack Zduriencik, under whose stewardship the Mariners started spending lavishly without much in the way of results. The team indicated that a search for a new GM will begin immediately.
With an opening in Seattle, the market for executives is going to fairly needy this offseason. The Red Sox are looking for a GM under Dave Dombrowski, the Blue Jays are looking for a new president, the Brewers are looking for a new GM, the Angels are looking for a GM, and now the Mariners are looking for a GM. When all is said and done, there could be several more openings (Philadelphia? Cincinnati? Washington? I could go on).
I mention all of this, of course, because the Cubs have a very talented crop of executives, at least one of whom is going to be routinely speculated about in connection to some of these openings. You already know where this is going, though the last time Senior VP of Player Development and Amateur Scouting Jason McLeod was approached about an opening, he declined to interview with the Padres. Perhaps he would do so again, citing an affection for where he is.
Brace yourself now for the rumors and speculation, though. It’s coming, and it’s going to involve the same mixed emotions as the last time. On the one hand, of course you don’t want to see someone as bright, talented, and important as McLeod leaving the organization; on the other hand, you want someone as bright, talented, and important as McLeod to get whatever opportunities he deserves (and wants to pursue, if any).