Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik says he pays little attention to rumors regarding his job security
ARLINGTON, Texas – If the wolves are circling Jack Zduriencik, as some suggest, it’s hard to see that it’s having any effect as he works through the closing weeks of his seventh season as the Mariners’ general manager.
It’s not that he’s oblivious; he’s heard the growing drumbeat of rumors and speculation that his job is on the line despite getting a multi-year extension less than a year ago.
Professional sports are a results-based business and the Mariners, a trendy spring pick to reach the World Series for the first time in their 39-year history, are an enormous disappointment at 56-65.
Zduriencik simply chooses to address the on-field issues rather than off-field talk, particularly when that talk isn’t tied to the club’s ownership group, which has not publicly addressed his job status.
“I don’t pay a lot of attention to (the rumors),” Zduriencik said in a group interview with the club’s beat reporters earlier this week in Texas.
“Because I can tell you, if you were engrossed in what people are saying or what somebody thinks is going on, when they really don’t have all the information, then that can certainly sidetrack you.
“It can affect your way of thinking. I’ve got eyes. I can see what’s going on here. I know what has not worked and what should be working and isn’t. For me to focus on any outside distractions (is non-productive).”
The speculation is rampant.
Former Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski was a rumor-mill favorite before he took the job in Boston. USA Today now identifies former Chicago White Sox GM Kenny Williams as a leading candidate.
Zduriencik said he sees no indication the ongoing chatter regarding his job security is affecting his staff, which would likely find their jobs at risk if the club’s ownership group opts for a replacement.
“We don’t talk about it,” he said. “I mean, there’s not a day that I walk in there and somebody says to me, ‘Hey, did you read this?’ or ‘Hey, I heard this.’ That doesn’t happen.
“I walk in and say, “What are we doing today? What went on on the field today? What do you see and hear? What’s going on in the minor leagues?
“That’s the conversation that goes on. No one comes and sits down and says, ‘Hey, I heard this,’ or ‘I heard that,’ because I would tell them the same thing. ‘Do your job. You have a job to do.’ ”
Zduriencik insists he has not changed his approach.
“My job is to do my job every day,” he said. “I said it five years ago. I said it three years ago. I said it last year. I’m not going to do anything that is not in the best interest of this organization.
“Now, some things may not work out. Some things get disappointing. Some things work out real well, but the job that you have to do as a general manager is just to continue to do what you know is right.”