Bavasi, McLearn to Return in 2008

The Mariners annoucned today that GM Bill Bavasi and manager John McLearn will be back in 2008. Honestly, I don't really know how I feel about this. Like the article says, up until the 24th of August the Mariners were right in the hunt for the division and leading the Wildcard. Then they hit the wall which I blame on their lack of quality starting pitching, something Bavasi is in charge of acquiring.

Are Bavasi and McLearn doing anything that is hurting this ballclub and would be reason to replace them? I think the answer to that is no. While Bavasi may not be the best evaluator of talent and McLearn not the best in-game manager they have done nothing to hurt this team in the long run. The market for starting pitching is going to be scare this year so we will be able to evaluate Bavasi very easily depending on what he does since you know the Mariners aren't going to win without improvement there. McLearn has had 1/2 season under his belt as a full-time manager, his rookie mistakes should be gone next year and you can expect the good relationships with the players to continue.

Based on the facts I believe that both men have earned another season, but the Mariners were competetive till the end of August. That means that next year it should be expected that they make the playoffs or a new regime needs to take over.

Bavasi, McLaren to return for 2008 season [Seattle PI]