Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Mariners Finally Sack Bavasi. Who's Next?

Struggling team could also lose CEO, manager, pseudo-ace

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 17, 2008 9:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – It's about time the Seattle Mariners fired Bill Bavasi, the general manager whose ill-advised trades contributed to the team's position in baseball's cellar this year, writes Ken Rosenthal for Fox Sports. But simply jettisoning the guy who got the least possible return out of a $117 million payroll won't be enough to turn this sinking ship around.

CEO Howard Lincoln should go, too, but he's too well favored by the ownership. Manager John McLaren could be on the axe list, and Rosenthal would love to see pitcher Erik Bedard, the ace for whom Bavasi traded so much talent, leave the organization as well. But ultimately, shedding the GM was a necessary and obvious first step, though long overdue.

Seattle Mariners pitcher Erik Bedard reacts after giving up a two-run double to New York Yankees' Robinson Cano during the fourth inning in Major League Baseball action Friday, May 23, 2008.
Seattle Mariners pitcher Erik Bedard reacts after giving up a two-run double to New York Yankees' Robinson Cano during the fourth inning in Major League Baseball action Friday, May 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Seattle Mariners former general manager Bill Bavasi addresses a news conference Monday, June 16, 2008, in Seattle. The Mariners fired Bavasi Monday morning.
Seattle Mariners former general manager Bill Bavasi addresses a news conference Monday, June 16, 2008, in Seattle. The Mariners fired Bavasi Monday morning.   (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Mariners president Chuck Armstrong, left, and CEO Howard Lincoln address a news conference Monday, June 16, 2008, in Seattle after canning general manager Bill Bavasi.
Seattle Mariners president Chuck Armstrong, left, and CEO Howard Lincoln address a news conference Monday, June 16, 2008, in Seattle after canning general manager Bill Bavasi.   (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
The Mariners fired Bill Bavasi Monday morning, as Seattle lags along with the worst record in baseball after starting the season with playoff hopes. Lee Pelekoudas will take over in his place.
The Mariners fired Bill Bavasi Monday morning, as Seattle lags along with the worst record in baseball after starting the season with playoff hopes. Lee Pelekoudas will take over in his place.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Padilla Pitches Rangers Past M's

Wang Leads Yankees Over Mariners, 5-1

Bedard Helps Mariners Halt Skid

Griffey Returning to Seattle

MLB's Midterm Report Cards


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne