-Dexter Sports
1:55 PM
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UPDATE (6:08 PM): Geoff Baker posts a little bit more information on new hitting coach Lee Elia.

This just in, The Mariners have made their first attempt to lay blame for their horrible season. Seattle has fired hitting coach Jeff Pentland this afternoon, according to Seattle Times reporter Geoff Baker. This is what GM Bill Bavasi said in a statement today.

"Jeff has an excellent and proven track record, and those of us who have worked with him are well aware he knows hitting. Unfortunately, we have consistently, and for an extended period, underperformed at the plate and we are hopeful that a different voice might help the situation.''

This could be a sign of things to come for the Mariner Management. Pentland though was a member of Mike Hargrove's staff in 2007 and could be the scapegoat for 2008. Lee Elia will take over for right now. This buys John McLaren a bit more time to turn this team around. If not, he could see his chance to stay with the Mariners blow right out the window. Of course, Bill Bavasi hasn't taken the blame for a lame trade and a horrible signing this offseason.