Jack Zduriencik
| Jack Zduriencik | |
|---|---|
 Zduriencik in 2011. | |
| Born |
January 11, 1951 New Castle, Pennsylvania |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | California University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | General Manager |
| Organization | Seattle Mariners |
John A. “Jack” Zduriencik (/zɜrˈɛnsɪk/; born January 11, 1951 in New Castle, PA) is the General Manager of Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners.
Career
Zduriencik began his career in professional baseball as a second baseman in the Chicago White Sox farm system. From 1973 to 1974, he spent time playing for both the Gulf Coast White Sox and the Appleton Foxes.[1]
Following his playing career, Zduriencik spent several years as a coach for both baseball and football. His coaching tour included stops at Austin Peay State University (1975–77), Clairton High School (PA, 1977–80), and Tarpon Springs High School (FL, 1980–82).[2]
Zduriencik returned to professional baseball in 1983. Successive roles involving scouting and player development comprised most of the next two-plus decades of his experience, as he spent time in the positions of:
- Area Scout, 1983 to 1989, New York Mets
- National Crosschecker, 1990 and 1994 to 1995, New York Mets
- Director of Scouting, 1991 to 1993, Pittsburgh Pirates
- Director of Minor League Operations, 1995 to 1998, New York Mets
- Special Assistant to the General Manager, 1998, New York Mets
- Director of International Operations, 1998 to 1999, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Director of Scouting, 1999 to 2006, Milwaukee Brewers
- Special Assistant to the General Manager, 2006 to 2008, Milwaukee Brewers
- Director of Amateur Scouting, 2006 to 2008. Milwaukee Brewers
- Special Assistant to the GM for Player Personnel, 2008, Milwaukee Brewers.[2]
Zduriencik was so successful in Milwaukee that many observers felt that he deserved a large part of the credit for the Brewers' eventual return to playoff contention in 2008. Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin praised Zduriencik's efforts when he was quoted as saying:
"No doubt about it, he deserves almost all the credit for the young players we have. The players he has drafted are making an impact at the big league level." [3]
In recognition of his success with the Brewers, Baseball America made Zduriencik the first non-GM to receive their Major League Executive of the Year Award in 2007.[3]
In October 2008, following a dismal season and the firing of GM Bill Bavasi, the Seattle Mariners announced the hiring of Zduriencik as the franchise's new General Manager. Many critics hailed this as the correct move for an organization that had become the first team to ever lose 100 games while shouldering a player payroll of more than $100 million.[4]
At an October 2008 press conference following his hiring, Zduriencik got right to the point in introducing his philosophy going forward in Seattle:
“I'd love to have guys with good makeup and good character, committed to the city and the ballclub. But, when all is said and done, talent wins.”[5]
One of Zduriencik's first moves was hiring Don Wakamatsu, the first Asian-American manager in MLB history. Next, during the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, Nevada, Zduriencik made a remarkable three-team, 12-player trade that sent star closer J. J. Putz to the New York Mets as well as prospect second baseman Luis Valbuena to the Cleveland Indians but netted outfielders Franklin Gutierrez and Endy Chávez and first baseman Mike Carp, a prospect in the Mets' organization, as well as starting pitcher prospect Jason Vargas. During the beginning of spring training Zdurienck signed Mariners fan favorite Ken Griffey Jr. to a one-year deal.
After an 85-77 finish in 2009, Zduriencik's teams slumped to 61-101 in 2010, 67-95 in 2011, 75-87 in 2012, and 71-91 in 2013.
On December 7, 2013, Seattle Times columnist Geoff Baker wrote a scathing article about Zduriencik, quoting past employees to show that he is difficult to work with. He was accused of lying about knowledge of Josh Leuke's criminal past before a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. He is also accused of lying on his original job application that he has a an advanced knowledge of and fondness for contemporary baseball Sabremetics of the Billy Beane mold, knowing that it would be beneficial in getting him hired.
Education
Zduriencik earned a bachelor's degree in education at California University of Pennsylvania, followed by a master's degree in physical education at Austin Peay State University.[2]
Personal
Nicknamed "Trader Jack", Jack is married to Debbie Zduriencik. They have one daughter, Kimberly.[2] He is also an alumnus of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.
References
- ↑ "Jack Zduriencik". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Jim Street (2008-10-22). "Mariners tab Zduriencik as new GM". Seattle Mariners. Major League Baseball. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Tom Haudricourt (2007-12-03). "Zduriencik Named Top Executive". Baseball America. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
- ↑ Tyler Hissey (2008-06-16). "Firing Bavasi Right Move". Scout.com. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
- ↑ Larry Stone (2008-10-25). ""No-nonsense" Jack Zduriencik faces many decisions as he takes over as Mariners GM". Seattle Times. Retrieved 2008-10-26.
External links
- Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference (Minors)
| Preceded by Lee Pelekoudas |
Seattle Mariners General Manager 2009-Present |
Succeeded by incumbent |
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