Seattle Mariners rehire entire coaching staff for 2012

This is one of the better decisions made by Armstrong/Lincoln in a long time. I know its really hard to look at Zduriencik’s overall MLB record (213-273), and his offensive numbers (.242/.301/.363/.604, 123 HR, 544 RBI, 1,322 H, and 569 R per season on avg) compared to the league avg over that same period (.258/.326/.406/.732, 158 HR, 682 RBI, 1,426 H, and 717 R per season avg), and it’s incredibly hard not to cringe a little.

But he has done wonders in other areas. Starting with his MLB pitching staff’s. In his first three season’s Z’s staff’s numbers (3.90 ERA, 1,034 K’s, 474 BB’s, 89 QS, 10 SO, 10 CG, and a .255 BAA per season avg) compared to the league avg over that same period (4.10 ERA, 1138 K’s, 527 BB’s, 83 QS, 10 SO, 6 CG, and a .258 BAA), and the Mariners are well above the league avg as a staff.

Zduriencik’s draft classes are already paying off with 2009 draftees Dustin Ackley and Kyle Seager already at the big league level, and with James Paxton, Danny Hultzen, Taijuan Walker, and Nick Franklin scheduled to make their MLB debuts within the next two seasons, it’s safe to assume Zduriencik has done a great job drafting MLB talent. With Zduriencik’s desire to have the roster be a more athletic team has started to show. Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke, Charlie Furbush, Chance Ruffin, Brandon League, Jason Vargas, Brendan Ryan, Justin Smoak, Mike Carp, Franklin Gutierrez, Casper Wells, and Trayvon Robinson have all played a significant rolls in the overall roster development since their acquisitions. Even his two of his waiver wire FA pick ups (Steve Delabar, and Tom Wilhelmsen) have played key rolls in the Mariner bullpen.

This team is most definitely on the upswing. It will take time, but with a great off-season to add to this mix, and 2012 should play out to a much better result.