Lloyd McClendon dismissed, will not manage Mariners in 2016

The Mariners were expected to contend for the American League West title, but finished in fourth place with a 76-86 record.

McClendon managed the Mariners to a winning record of 163-161 in two seasons in Seattle. And after his messy divorce with the Angels, at the core of which were Dipoto’s conflicts with an inherited manager, Mike Scioscia, you just knew he wasn’t going to have another incumbent manager foisted on him – no matter how much McClendon charmed him in their week of meetings.

He was all but shown the door last week when new boss Jerry Dipoto suggested retaining McClendon would be akin to a marriage arranged from a thousand miles away.

Dipoto had been very careful about making this move because of his relationship with the Mariners’ big stars which made it a bit tricky.

Six managers in eight years can explain why the announcement of McClendon’s firing sounded as hollow as that automated voice on a telephone telling you assistants are busy. Since he was used to lure Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz into signing long-term contracts, it could be a hard conversation to have with the players.

Adrian Beltre, who left Game 1 with a strained back, was not in the lineup for the Texas Rangers.

McClendon: “Jerry, what are you talking about, it’s me, Lloyd”. The farm system needs an influx of talent and Dipoto said that he would be willing to make trades to help make that happen.

Chris Gwynn resigned Thursday as the director of player development, and the Mariners previously confirmed that three other top front-office officials would not return: Ted Simmons, Pete Vuckovich and Joe McIlvaine.

A few of the coaching staff, however, including Mariners legend and batting coach Edgar Martinez, infield coach Chris Woodward and pitching coach Rick Waits, were invited to return next year.

Both Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports are reporting the Mariners’ decision. He quit his last job because of a less-than-ideal managerial situation. The Mariners have not made the post season since the 2001 season.