When he started his search for the next Mariners manager, Jerry Dipoto stated that previous managerial experience was not a requirement. There were a number of items on his list of criteria that he valued above on-field experience.
"Strong character, courage, competitiveness, positivity, energy, creativity, the ability to communicate effectively and the ability to collaborate up and down throughout an organization," Dipoto said in his opening statements Monday as the Mariners introduced their new manager. "Those are the things I find to be most important in the qualities of a leader.
"Those are traits that Scott Servais possesses.