Kissner named Mariners' international ops director

The Mariners named Tim Kissner director of international operations on Monday, filling the void formed when Bob Engle left the post earlier this month.

"Tim is a high-energy guy with 14 years of scouting experience," Mariners executive vice president and general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "He is a nice addition to our organization, with a strong ability to evaluate and supervise, paired with a very strong work ethic."

Kissner spent the past two seasons as a crosschecker for the Cubs. He previously worked for the Phillies from 2000-10, spending the last two years as the club's Pacific Rim coordinator. He began his scouting career with the Indians in 1999.

"I am very excited to join the Mariners organization," Kissner said. "I am looking forward to getting to work immediately; in fact, I leave for the Dominican Republic tonight."

Kissner lives in Kirkland, Wash., and graduated from Oregon State. He is a native of Juneau, Alaska.