John A. “Jack” Zduriencik (; born January 11, 1951) is an American radio broadcaster and former professional baseball executive, scout, and player. He currently works as a radio host for KDKA-FM, which is affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also served as the general manager of the Seattle Mariners from 2008 until 2015.
Career
Zduriencik began his career in professional baseball as a second baseman in the Chicago White Sox farm system. From 1973 to 1974, he spent time playing for both the Gulf Coast White Sox and the Appleton Foxes.
Following his playing career, Zduriencik spent several years as a coach for both baseball and football. His coaching tour included stops at Austin Peay State University (1975–77), Clairton High School (PA, 1977–80), and Tarpon Springs High School (FL, 1980–82).
Zduriencik returned to professional baseball in 1983. Successive roles involving scouting and player development comprised most of the next two-plus decades of his experience, as he spent time in the positions of:
Area scout, 1983–1989, New York Mets
National crosschecker, 1990 and 1994–1995, New York Mets
Director of scouting, 1991–1993, Pittsburgh Pirates
Director of minor league operations, 1995–1998, New York Mets
Special assistant to the general manager, 1998, New York Mets
Director of international operations, 1998–1999, Los Angeles Dodgers
Director of scouting, 1999–2006, Milwaukee Brewers
Special assistant to the general manager, 2006–2008, Milwaukee Brewers
Director of amateur scouting, 2006–2008. Milwaukee Brewers
Special assistant to the GM for player personnel, 2008, Milwaukee Brewers.
Zduriencik was so successful in Milwaukee that many observers felt that he deserved a large part of the credit for the Brewers' eventual return to playoff contention in 2008. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin praised Zduriencik's efforts when he was quoted as saying: "No doubt about it, he deserves almost all the credit for the young players we have. The players he has drafted are making an impact at the big league level."
In recognition of his success with the Brewers, Baseball America made Zduriencik the first non-GM to receive their Major League Executive of the Year Award in 2007.
Seattle Mariners
In October 2008, following a dismal season and the firing of GM Bill Bavasi, the Seattle Mariners announced the hiring of Zduriencik as the franchise's new general manager. At the time, the team was the first to have lost 100 games while shouldering a player payroll of more than $100 million, and it was reported by critics at the time to be a good hire.
At an October 2008 press conference following his hiring, Zduriencik got right to the point in introducing his philosophy going forward in Seattle: “I'd love to have guys with good makeup and good character, committed to the city and the ballclub. But, when all is said and done, talent wins.”
One of Zduriencik's first moves was hiring Don Wakamatsu, the first Asian-American manager in MLB history. Next, during the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, Nevada, Zduriencik made a remarkable three-team, 12-player trade that sent star closer J. J. Putz to the New York Mets as well as prospect second baseman Luis Valbuena to the Cleveland Indians. In return, the Mariners received outfielders Franklin Gutiérrez and Endy Chávez and first baseman Mike Carp, a prospect in the Mets' organization, as well as starting pitcher prospect Jason Vargas. During the beginning of spring training, Zduriencik signed Mariners fan favorite Ken Griffey Jr. to a one-year deal.
After an 85-77 finish in 2009, Zduriencik's teams slumped to 61–101 in 2010, 67–95 in 2011, 75–87 in 2012, and 71–91 in 2013.