Eric Wedge Likely To Be Named Manager

[love_that_reefer]

The Mariners will hire Eric Wedge to be the team's next manager, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter). Wedge, the 2007 manager of the year with the Indians, beat out Bobby Valentine, John Gibbons, Lloyd McClendon, Cecil Cooper and others for the job. The Blue Jays and Pirates were among the teams who were reportedly considering Wedge for their managerial vacancies.

The highlight of Wedge's tenure in Cleveland came back in 2007, when the Tribe made it to the ALCS before losing to Boston. The 42-year-old led the Indians to a 561-573 record in seven seasons.

Back in April of 2004, the Indians traded Milton Bradley to the Dodgers when it became clear that he was no longer a fit in Cleveland. Wedge perceived a lack of hustle from Bradley, and that perception contributed to the trade. The two will be reunited in Seattle, but Wedge no doubt convinced Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik that his relationship with Bradley will be workable.

I think this is a good move for the M's. I felt Wedge was unfairly fired since the team traded away its best pitchers and were left with nothing. Not Wedge's fault. Plus Hafner was hurt towards the end no helping matters much. I seriously doubt the M's put too much emphasis on Wedge and Bradley's relationship. Bradley is going to be any manager's problem. I like the hire. Now its up the the M's to get them an offense worth a damn.

[realmofotalk]

The Mariners love them some Cleveland castoffs. Wedge is solid although I'm not sure if he is that much better than Wakamatsu.

[Kingdom]

I'll say 2.5 seasons before he's fired.

[redsfan28]

Fail