--Manager Don Wakamatsu becomes the first Asian-American major league manager, as he was he was hired to handle the club for the 2009 season by GM Jack Zduriencik.
--RHP Junichi Tazawa remains on the Mariners' radar, but the 22-year-old is being pursued by other teams, with the Indians and the Tigers joining the Mariners and the Braves. The Red Sox are thought to be interested, as well. --Pedro Grifol was promoted from coordinator of minor league instruction to director of minor league operations.
--Tim Tolman, who was the Washington Nationals' third base coach the last two seasons, is the new coordinator of minor league instruction.
--Greg Hunter, the club's director of player development the last two seasons, will be reassigned within the organization, should he choose to accept the new position.
--OF Mike Morse was having a decent go of it in Venezuela, playing for Lara. He was hitting .317 in his first 16 games. The Mariners eventually want to look at him at first base, but he's playing in the outfield for the Cardinales.
BY THE NUMBERS: 0 -- Coaches locked in for Seattle for the 2009 season. New manager Don Wakamatsu will try to change that immediately.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We've only talked the one time, but I think the conversation we had was cordial enough. He's going to want an update." -- GM Jack Zduriencik, on whether LF Raul Ibanez can be lured back as a free agent.
