More changes in Mariners’ front office as Chris Gwynn resigns

The Mariners have confirmed that Chris Gwynn has resigned as director of player development.

Gwynn becomes the sixth member of Jack Zduriencik’s staff to resign or be told he will not be renewed, joining special assistants Pete Vuckovich and Joe McIlvaine, senior advisor Ted Simmons, and pro scouts Duane Shaffer and Joe Nigro.

Gwynn came to the Mariners in 2011 from the San Diego Padres, where he had held a similar position. He has reportedly interviewed for the general manager position with the Angels.

New Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto acknowledged in his introductory press conference that there was work to be done in minor-league player development and that he was looking forward to putting systems in place that would help growth in the minors.

The man who may run those systems could be in Anaheim right now. Many expect former big league catcher and current Angels assistant GM of scouting and development Scott Servais to follow Dipoto to Seattle. Servais has an impressive resume working in player development with both Anaheim and Texas. One of those players he helped turn around in Texas was Nelson Cruz. Ben Lindbergh has a terrific article about the turnaround on Grantland.

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