Seattle Mariners assistant general manager Jeff Kingston talks to reporters in 2013 at the team's annual media briefing prior to the start of baseball spring training.

It was one of the busiest off seasons in recent memory for the Seattle Mariners. At one point you were left wondering, who would be coming? Who would be going? Will my favorite player be returning? Luckily, prized pitcher Felix Hernandez is still with the club. Even the management got an overhaul.

At the end of August, the organization announced it had relieved General Manager Jack Zduriencik of his job. In his seasons with the team, Zduriencik only had a winning record twice (2009, 2014). He would be replaced by Assistant General Manager Jeff Kingston on an interim basis. Former pitcher and Los Angeles Angels’ General Manager Jerry Dipoto was given the job later in the summer.

“Jerry Dipoto is a very talented guy, he knows the game of baseball,” Mariners’ announcer Rick Rizzs said. “He was a former player. I thought he did a very good job in Anaheim, putting that club together. We are very fortunate to have him as our GM. He understands the game, not only building the club at the major league level, but building the minor league organization as well. He also stock piled the organization with a lot of good young talented players.”

After two years of being ‘skipper’ of the club, with a record of 163-161, Manager Lloyd McClendon was fired. One of the first moves Dipoto would make at the helm of things, choosing to bring in his own manager. That being his assistant general manager in Los Angeles, Scott Servais, a former big leaguer himself, a manager for the first time.

“Scott Servais, it is his first time as a manager, but he is a former catcher, and all those guys seem to do well,” said Rizzs. “It seems like baseball has given opportunities to guys who haven’t managed before. Scott has surrounded himself with a great coaching staff, guys that have managed … Manny Acata (third base), Tim Bogar (bench), Mel Stottlemyre Jr. (pitching). I look for great things out of Scott Servais. He’s going to do an outstanding job.”

There are many new faces joining the American League West Club. New faces joining a few holdovers from 2015: Pitchers Nathan Karns (acquired via trade with Tampa Bay), Ryan Cook (via free agency), Joaquin Benoit (traded from San Diego), Jonathan Aro, former all-star Wade Miley (both traded from Boston), Cody Martin (claimed off of waivers from Oakland), Evan Scribner (traded from Oakland), and Joe Wieland (traded from the Dodgers); Catchers; Steve Clevenger (traded from Baltimore) and Chris Iannetta (free agency); Adam Lind (traded from Milwaukee), Luis Sardninas (trade with Milwaukee), join incumbent Robinson Cano in the infield. Nori Aoki (free agent), and Lenoys Martin (traded from Texas), shore up the outfield.

“I think Dipoto did a great job in rounding out the roster this year,” Rizzs commented. “He made it younger, more athletic, brought in a lot of guys. Aoki to play centerfield, Lind at first base, Ianetta, Clevenger, Karns, Miley. He brought in a lot of guys. Everybody fits nicely in a great role. Guys with good averages, good on-base percentage, they’re going to keep innings rolling, and I think it will be a lot different this year. (Kyle) Seager, (Nelson) Cruz, Cano, they’ll be able to drive in a lot more runs. I really like the ball club he has put together.”

Rizzs said he thinks Seattle could do really well this year, and “surprise a lot of people, win the division and get to the playoffs. Once you get there, you never know what can happen.”

Pitchers and catchers report for spring training, Feb. 19, with position players reporting to Peoria, Arizona, Feb. 24. The first spring match takes place, March 2 against the Padres. Regular season begins April 4 at the Texas Rangers. The home opener is April 8 versus the As.