Zduriencik said goal was to produce winning team

SEATTLE – Seattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik defended his involvement in the daily operation of the ballclub on Monday after pointed remarks by former manager Eric Wedge and other past front-office employees in the Seattle Times.

Zduriencik issued the statement a day after a lengthy Times article that highlighted issues with the Mariners’ front office. Wedge was quoted in the story saying Zduriencik, team president Chuck Armstrong and CEO Howard Lincoln had meddled in the club’s operation.

“I’ve worked for several major league organizations. Our upper management has suggestions and asks questions, just like CEOs and presidents in other organization do, all to be helpful and contribute to the goal of winning. We all want to win as soon as possible,” Zduriencik said. “When there are areas that need improvement, it’s my job to ask questions, suggest ideas and give direction to the field staff. When our upper management has questions or suggestions, it’s my job to respond to them. I don’t believe meddling is a fair portrayal.”