Pierzynski Questions Mariners' Gamble on First-Time Skipper Kanzler

The Seattle Mariners' decision to hand the manager's job to Jason Kanzler has drawn a sceptical response from former All-Star catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Seattle finished 76-86, a year after then-manager Dan Wilson had taken the team to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto responded by appointing Kanzler, a 36-year-old first-time skipper. Speaking on Foul Territory, Pierzynski made his case against the hire, questioning whether a manager with no experience in the role is ready to lead a team trying to return to October baseball. Seattle's problems last season were clear: the team scored just 664 runs, ranking third-lowest in the majors, leaving minimal space for improvement without a major offensive reset. All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh hit just .182 with 23 home runs and 69 RBIs, while centre fielder Julio Rodriguez and first baseman Josh Naylor endured career-worst seasons and the offence stalled. General manager Justin Hollander has backed the appointment, saying the club believes Kanzler is the right person to lead it back to the postseason. His first big test will be fixing a lineup that underperformed across the board.