Following Bryan Price, Don Baylor is stepping down from his position as the hitting instructor for the Mariners to "pursue other opportunities," such as one of the many managerial openings around the league. Baylor only lasted a year with the M's and under his watch the team struggled at the plate for the second year in a row, finishing at or near the bottom of every major offensive category.
Baylor and Price are just part of the coaching carousel for the M's organization this offseason, as there are now managerial openings in San Antonio and Tacoma, and hitting and pitching coach openings in Seattle. Dave Brundage is expected to take over the Tacoma Rainiers, Dan Rohn is going to be looking for employment elsewhere (and might be a favorite for a bench job in Seattle), and Mark Wiley is the early favorite to replace Brian Price. The offseason for the Seattle Mariners has officially begun.
Bench coach Ron Hassey, bullpen coach Jim Slaton, third base coach Carlos Garcia and first base coach Mike Goff have been invited, and are expected, to return for the 2006 season.