SEATTLE (AP) - The Seattle Mariners have found their new general manager, announcing Monday that they have hired former Angels GM Jerry Dipoto.
He replaces Jack Zduriencik, who was fired in late August after seven disappointing seasons during which the club failed to end its playoff drought. With the Toronto Blue Jays making the postseason this year, the Mariners now have the longest playoff absence in baseball at 14 years and counting.
Dipoto's job will be to end that playoff drought and continue rebuilding a farm system that had highs and lows during Zduriencik's tenure. Dipoto was the Angels' general manager for 3 ½ years before resigning on July 1 following clashes with manager Mike Scioscia that began the first year they worked together.