Raulken co.UK - A's happy for Wakamatsu's new job

By Mychael Urban / MLB.com Manager Bob Geren said he has already been thinking of candidates to replace Don Wakamatsu. (AP) OAKLAND -- Although 2008 was Don Wakamatsu's only season as a member of the A's coaching staff, he's leaving with the kind of...

SEATTLE—Don Wakamatsu became the first Asian-American manager in major league baseball history when he was hired Wednesday by the Seattle Mariners.The Mariners' 14th manager, Wakamatsu was bench coach for the Oakland Athletics last season. Before that he spent five years with the Texas Rangers."When I started this process, there were some key attributes we were looking for," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a statement. "We wanted energy, a passion and the skills to translate that passion to the players. We wanted leadership, a presence that could help us as we define the 'Mariners Way' to win. We wanted someone that both the community and the players could embrace. We wanted someone who sees the big picture and cares about the players and wants to win. Don embodies all of those traits."The 45-year-old was among a field of seven candidates interviewed by Zduriencik. None of the seven had previous major league managerial experience. The overwhelming fan favorite was former Seattle second baseman and current Chicago White Sox bench coach Joey Cora.Wakamatsu will be the fifth manager in Seattle since the departure of Lou Piniella after the 2002 season. The Mariners have cycled through Bob Melvin, Mike Hargrove, John McLaren and Jim Riggleman since Piniella left, none of the four approaching Piniella's success.Wakamatsu replaces Riggleman, who took over in June when McLaren was fired after a...
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