New GM Jack Zduriencik has begun building his front office by relieving popular VP of Scouting Bob Fontaine of his duties.

Fontaine stepped in before the 2004 season and has helped revamp a farm system that was sorely lacking talent.  Since he’s stepped in Fontaine has brought in a ton of talented youths that Seattle Mariner fans can look forward to seeing during the next couple of seasons and beyond, including just about all of Seattle’s North American-born top prospects.  Fontaine was listed as the fourth most valuable Seattle Mariner by Jason Churchill in the 2008 Prospect Insider Handbook behind VP of International Operations/Scouting Bob Engle, Ichiro and King Felix. 

This is a big loss for Seattle, but probably should have been expected.  Obviously building a professional baseball organization is a team effort, and the reputation Zduriencik has built came with help from many.  It’s natural for Zduriencik to bring in some of the guys that helped him become known as a man who can rebuild a franchise.  With that, Tony Blengino and Tom McNamara are expected to be brought in from the Brewers.

Good luck Mr. Fontaine.  You did some great things here and I’m sure you’ll help out another franchise sometime soon.  It’s unfortunate that you weren’t given a fair shot under the Zduriencik regime, but I’m sure you understand that that’s just how it works sometimes.  We will also miss your awesome moustache.