How much is Wedge to blame for Mariners’ struggles?

By Brady Henderson

As the Mariners continue to slip further out of contention en route to another losing season, the speculation increases about the futures of Jack Zduriencik and Eric Wedge.

Eric Wedge

They were among the subjects discussed when Jonah Keri of Grantland joined “Brock and Danny” on Tuesday to share his thoughts on the state of the Mariners.

Zduriencik is in his fifth season as the Mariners’ general manager since coming to Seattle from Milwaukee, where he headed the Brewers’ scouting department and presided over drafts that netted future stars like Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun as well as J.J. Hardy, Rickie Weeks and Corey Hart.

Because of Zduriencik’s “iron-clad” credentials as a talent evaluator, Keri thinks the stunted development of some of the Mariners’ young players shouldn’t cost him his job yet.

“He did a great, great job of building up that Brewers team into a winning club that is revenue-successful, is exciting to watch, that draws fans, people want to see it,” Keri said, “so I’m inclined to give him a little bit longer.”

Keri isn’t nearly as confident in Wedge, who’s 177-229 in two and a half seasons with the Mariners.

“The manager hasn’t shown me anything and I’d be fine with kicking him out of town,” Keri said. “I don’t see any evidence that he’s good at bringing along young players – not that I necessarily put that only on the managers, but he hasn’t shown any value add in that respect and he’s a terrible tactician, terrible, one of the worst in baseball.

“I can’t say that I watch every Mariners game but I’ve probably watched, I don’t know, 20 this year and there’s so many things that drive me crazy when I watch the team and a lot of them have to do with the manager.”

Brock Huard and Danny O’Neil disagree with Keri’s contention about Wedge, and they explain why in the video below.

You can listen to Tuesday’s show here.