MrRant 0 Report post Posted October 31, 2003 SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners needed a hitting coach, and an impressive candidate was available. The team hired Paul Molitor on Thursday, signing him to a one-year contract. "When a guy of Paul's professional stature comes along, interviews as well as he did and has the obvious hitting knowledge he does, well, it became clear who our first choice was," manager Bob Melvin said. Molitor, MVP of the 1993 World Series for Toronto, had 3,319 hits and a .306 career average in 21 major league seasons from 1978-98. He played with Milwaukee (1978-92), Toronto (1993-95) and Minnesota (1996-98). He had a 39-game hitting streak in 1987 and led baseball with 216 hits in 1991, 211 hits in 1993 and 225 in 1996. The 47-year-old Molitor will be eligible for the Hall of Fame on the next ballot. Molitor, one of four candidates interviewed by Melvin and outgoing general manager Pat Gillick, understands what's involved for hitters and believes he can connect with them. "A good hitting coach knows his hitters well," Molitor said. "He knows what makes them successful and can recognize what they need to do once they get away from that path. "You've got to be available. You've got to be a positive voice." Molitor sees a lineup of solid hitters with the Mariners, who for the second consecutive season won 93 games but failed to reach the playoffs. He cited Bret Boone, Edgar Martinez, Randy Winn and Ichiro Suzuki as contributors. And Molitor knows John Olerud from their days together in Toronto. "There are certain guys, maybe you feel you can help along the way," Molitor said. "There are a lot of guys who can contribute to making our offense productive and competitive with other teams around the league." Inevitably, Molitor was asked if he can help Jeff Cirillo. The third baseman, known for strong defense and poor hitting, slumped to .249 and .205 with the Mariners the past two seasons after hitting as high as .326 in 1999 in the National League. "I'm not sure what he's taken on there," Molitor said. "Certainly, we've seen him be successful at other places. I look forward to seeing him and talking to him to get his thoughts on what's happened." When Molitor was interviewed recently, Boone and Martinez were in the building and got word of his visit. "The message from Edgar was, 'What are we waiting for? Let's hire him,' " Melvin said. "He has studied his craft," Melvin said. "Not only was he successful, he knows his craft. He brings instant respect." Gillick, who was GM in Toronto when Molitor played there, has tried to lure Molitor to other jobs in recent years. But the timing wasn't good until now, Molitor said. "I'm real surprised he keeps asking me to consider jobs," he said. "I've turned him down a few times, including playing in Baltimore." Molitor spent the 2003 season as a roving instructor in the Minnesota Twins' system and served as an extra coach during the playoffs. He was offered a similar role for 2004 but chose to pursue a full-time coaching job in the majors. The Twins told Molitor their major league staff was filled for next season. "I totally understand that when a staff has been successful in shaping a team into a playoff club in only a couple of years, people are doing a good job," Molitor said. The Seattle job opened the day after the season ended, when Lamar Johnson left in what was characterized as a mutual decision. Seattle batted .271 last season to rank fifth in the AL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted October 31, 2003 I always liked Molitor, so I'm glad he's getting work. Now maybe the M's won't choke after the All-Star break. Maybe... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixrising 0 Report post Posted October 31, 2003 Maybe he'll help Cirillo snap out of his funk. Unbelievable how he went from one of the best hitters in the majors to a complete flop. Molitor could help out Cameron a little too provided he re-signs with Seattle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted October 31, 2003 I"ll miss Molitor. He's got a great baseball mind, and I loved listening too his bi-weekly radio apperances. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 31, 2003 From Edgar's comment, it sounds like he's going to stick around another year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest FrigidSoul Report post Posted October 31, 2003 Cirillo wasn't a good hitter, Coors juiced up his numbers big time. Jo-Bu couldn't help wake up Cirillo's bat at this point Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted October 31, 2003 Cirillo wasn't a good hitter, Coors juiced up his numbers big time. Jo-Bu couldn't help wake up Cirillo's bat at this point Actually Cirillo was a good hitter in Milwaukee as well and only slugged about 15 points higher in Colorado. Never put up huge numbers but always had a high batting average and hit lots of doubles before the last two years with Seattle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2003 Edgar Martinez has indeed rejoined the Seattle Mariners for yet another year. Marinez has posted a .400+ OBP for the last NINE seasons. Martinez has lost a little power, but he'll remain a serious threat in the Mariners' lineup. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2003 If only the Mariners could use a designated runner for Edgar. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
