Weed Out the Crap: John McLaren

Just three days after firing their general manager, the Seattle Mariners have dumped their skipper, as well.

John McLaren, who came to Seattle in 1993 as a coach and began managing last season after Mike Hargrove's resignation, was canned on Thursday before the club left for a long and painful Interleague road trip.

McLaren never tasted victory, as he was 68-88 as manager overall, and 25-47 this year. Bench coach Jim Riggleman, who managed the San Diego Padres from 1992-94 and the Chicago Cubs from 1995-99, will take over the tough job of coaching the worst team in baseball for the rest of the season. Good luck, buddy!

Next skipper to get the axe? Ned Yost. It's just a matter of when.

[Seattle PI]

Watch Out Bobby Cox, Here Comes John McLaren

Seattle Mariners manager John McLaren broke the golden rule of arguing balls and strikes... and check swings Monday night.

McLaren was ejected just nine minutes into Seattle's critical series opener against the Los Angeles Angels.

After a short, relaxed discussion with home plate umpire and crew chief Gary Darling, McLaren walked back toward the dugout. A split-second later, he ran full speed ahead -- this time to confront third base ump, Jerry Meals. Of course, McLaren went absolutely bananas with the screaming and the hand gestures and the occasional sputter of saliva.

Apparently, Meals had already ejected McLaren, even though no signal had been seen by anyone at Safeco Field.

Fans eat that shit up, right? The near-sellout crowd went berserk as he finally left the field, his second ejection notched in his belt.

McLaren has been in charge since July 2nd, after former manager Mike Hargrove resigned out of nowhere. Only 133 more games to go, John!

[SI.com]