Dipoto 'embarrassed' by his remarks about Mariners' long-term plan

Seattle Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto isn't happy about the way he painted his club's future during Tuesday's season-ending press conference.

Dipoto told Seattle Sports AM 710 on Thursday that he's "generally embarrassed" by his comments, according to Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports.

"(I) completely whiffed in trying to paint a big-picture baseline," Dipoto said. "I did a poor job in trying to convey that thought. I feel badly about it."

Dipoto originally outlined a 10-year plan that focused on winning 54% of the time.

"Our goal isn't to be mediocre," Dipoto said, according to Maura Dooley of Seattle Sports. "Our goal is to win championships. That's what I was trying to say. ... I wish I could hit reset and try again but that moment is gone."

Dipoto also acknowledged Tuesday that he didn't know if adding big-name players was a solution to the club's problems after public remarks from Cal Raleigh and J.P. Crawford about the front office's job to bring in talent.

Raleigh later apologized for his comments.

"No, never happened," Dipoto said when asked if Raleigh was told to apologize as noted by media personality and former player AJ Pierzynski. "I don't speak with AJ Pierzynski. I did speak to Cal after he spoke to the media and no one spoke to Cal. ... Cal has his opinions and he is free to share them."

The Mariners finished one game out of the AL's final wild-card spot after making the ALDS in 2022.