I had my first personal encounter with Zduriencik (sort of) at FanFest on Sunday. I had thought that he was done speaking when I arrived at Safeco, but as I found out, he had just started. I went to the seats by the Mariner dugout, upon which he and Dave Neihaus were taking questions.
People of all ages were allowed to ask questions (the young kids often had better questions than the adults, oddly enough), and regardless of who asked, Zduriencik answered the question seriously and professionally. As a big fan (and blog writer), I was excited to have the opportunity to ask a question to the GM, and I seized it.
After welcoming him to the city, I asked what the plan was for Jeff Clement and what that had to do with the plan for Kenji Johjima. His answer was that Clement was intended to be the catcher, but that Johjima would have an opportunity to earn playing time and Clement might also play some DH.
Apparently Johjima, who will be participating the the World Baseball Classic, is arranging a meeting with Don Wakamatsu of his own accord to discuss his role on the team, among other things. There were a couple other nuggets of information he said to us that might be of interest:
+ The closer role hasn't really been decided yet, and essentially every good reliever is going to be a candidate
+Salary will have absolutely no bearing on playing time. The best players will be the ones put out on the field. (yes!!!!!)
+The Mariners most likely aren't done with the off season yet.
+Jack Zduriencik didn't sound particularly optimistic about our chances of getting Steven Strasberg, but also noted that there are other good players in the draft an that the most hyped ones aren't necessarily the best.
+Jack's people definitely understand the value of defense
That's all the important stuff I can remember. I came away very impressed and more confident then ever that this is the man for the job. I can't wait for April.
Original Story:
http://www.seatownsports.net/2009/01/...
