M's new GM Jack Zduriencik starts to work the phones

DANA POINT, Calif. — Jack Zduriencik said he didn't even have time to walk through the lobby of the posh St. Regis Resort here Monday as the general managers meetings heated up.

That's because the new Seattle GM was holed up in his suite making and receiving phone calls — about 30 by late afternoon, he estimated, including one to Raul Ibanez, the Mariners' most prominent free agent.

The conversation with Ibanez was less about opening up negotiations than paying respects to a valued member of the organization.

"This guy deserves a phone call from the general manager because of his contributions to this club, this city, and the type of person he is, a guy of great character," Zduriencik said. "We'll see where it goes from here."

Ibanez, 36, hit .293 this year with 23 homers and a team-leading 110 runs batted in. Zduriencik termed the conversation "very cordial" but was noncommittal about how hard the Mariners would pursue re-signing Ibanez.

"It was nothing more than a complimentary conversation of respect that he very well deserves — an introduction so he knows who I am," Zduriencik said.

Meanwhile, Zduriencik continued to talk to members of the Mariners' staff about the team's personnel. He also heard from many executives from other teams, mainly with recommendations for Zduriencik's staff, particularly the vacant managerial position.

Zduriencik said he has accelerated the vetting process while he has been here.

"I've had a conversation today with a prospective candidate," he said. "I had a conversation last night with someone having information on someone who would be interested here."

He said that he received two recommendations for one potential candidate, causing him to rethink that person's qualifications.

"I think it made him a consideration," Zduriencik said.

Asked if he thought last year's 101-loss season would scare off potential managerial candidates, he replied, "It didn't scare me. ... I think you can look at it the other way; someone can look at it as a great opportunity: This is a chance for me to come in and really make my mark."

Zduriencik hopes to get heavily into the interview process next week, ideally with five to seven candidates.

Other tidbits from Monday, which ended with a banquet honoring the Sporting News Executive of the Year, Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman:

• Zduriencik said there's "a possibility" he will make more hires from outside the organization for the Mariners' baseball operations staff. One top executive who suddenly is on the market is Mike Arbuckle, the Phillies' assistant GM for scouting and player development, who resigned after being passed over for the GM job.

• The Mariners added outfielder Mike Wilson to their 40-man roster to avoid losing him in next month's Rule 5 draft. Wilson, 25, was their second-round pick in 2001 and has progressed slowly. But the switch-hitting Wilson, who is 6 feet 2, 240 pounds, hit 27 homers last year for Class AA West Tennessee.

"He's a tremendous power guy, and this organization lacks a little power now," Zduriencik said. "Everyone felt his power was too good to pass up. Hopefully, some of the adjustments he needs to make, he can make them in time."

• The Mariners have signed their first player in the Zduriencik era — minor-league outfielder Steve Moss, who has been playing for the Long Beach Armada in the independent Golden League.

Moss, 24, was drafted in the 29th round by the Brewers in 2002 during Zduriencik's tenure as their scouting director. He was released after the 2007 season, having hit .255 in 567 minor-league games with 37 homers and 229 RBI. He hit .299 last year for Long Beach, and was signed to a minor-league contract on the recommendation of new Mariners employee Tony Blengino.

"He was a good player for us for a little while, but things just didn't work out for him," Zduriencik said. "It's just an opportunity for him to have another chance."

• According to reports from Japan, the Mariners met with representatives for pitcher Junichi Tazawa.

Tazawa, 22, is bypassing the draft in Japan and plans to sign with a major-league team. He reportedly throws 97 mph and is being pursued hotly by several teams, most notably the Red Sox, Cubs and Braves, in addition to Seattle.

• Pat Gillick, long rumored to be headed to the Mariners in some capacity after stepping down as Phillies GM following the World Series, won't be. The Phillies announced that Gillick will be a paid consultant to his successor, Ruben Amaro Jr.

• Among those attending the GM meetings is Zduriencik's predecessor, Bill Bavasi, now working as a special assistant to Reds GM Walt Jocketty.

• Joining Zduriencik at the meetings are assistant GM Lee Pelekoudas; attorney Bart Waldman, the team's lead negotiator; Jim Na, director of baseball administration; special assistant Ken Madeja; Tim Hevly, director of baseball information; and two new hires from the Brewers' organization, Blengino and Tom McNamara.

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com