Upon taking the helm in Seattle, Zduriencik faced the challenge of revitalizing a team that had struggled in the years prior. His approach focused on rebuilding the Mariners through a combination of drafting, player development, and strategic trades. One of his first major moves was the acquisition of Franklin Gutierrez, a defensive standout, who quickly became a fan favorite for his exceptional play in center field.
Zduriencik's tenure saw a mix of successes and challenges. In the 2009 MLB Draft, he selected Dustin Ackley with the second overall pick, a decision that was met with high expectations. Ackley showed promise early in his career but ultimately did not meet the lofty projections set for him. Despite this, Zduriencik continued to focus on building a strong farm system, which was highlighted by the drafting of players like Kyle Seager, who would go on to become a mainstay in the Mariners' lineup.
The Mariners' performance on the field during Zduriencik's time as GM was inconsistent. The team showed flashes of potential, particularly in the 2009 season when they finished with a winning record. However, sustaining that success proved difficult, and the Mariners often found themselves struggling to compete in the highly competitive American League West.
One of Zduriencik's most notable trades came in 2012 when he acquired Jesus Montero from the New York Yankees in exchange for Michael Pineda. The trade was initially seen as a win for the Mariners, as Montero was a highly-touted prospect. However, Montero's performance did not live up to expectations, and the trade is often viewed as a missed opportunity.
Throughout his time with the Mariners, Zduriencik remained committed to building a competitive team. He made several high-profile signings, including the acquisition of Robinson Cano in 2013. Cano's signing was a bold move, as the Mariners offered him a 10-year, $240 million contract, one of the largest in baseball history at the time. Cano's presence brought star power to the Mariners and helped improve the team's performance, but it was not enough to propel them into the postseason during Zduriencik's tenure.
In 2014, the Mariners came close to breaking their playoff drought, finishing just one game behind the Oakland Athletics for a Wild Card spot. This near-miss was a testament to the progress made under Zduriencik, but it also underscored the challenges of competing in a division with perennial powerhouses like the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels.
Despite his efforts, the Mariners' inability to consistently contend for a playoff spot ultimately led to Zduriencik's dismissal in August 2015. His tenure was marked by a series of bold moves and a commitment to building through the draft, but the results on the field did not meet the organization's expectations.
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