SEATTLE -- The Mariners promoted director of amateur scouting, Tom McNamara, to special assistant to the general manager on Friday.
McNamara has lead Seattle's amateur scouting since Nov. 2008. He has been a part of drafting players who have made contributions for the Mariners this season including third baseman Kyle Seager, catcher Mike Zunino, and pitchers James Paxton, Taijuan Walker, Edwin Díaz.
Seager, a Mariner since 2011, is batting .366 this season with 31 doubles and 25 home runs. Zunino has 22 RBIs in just 33 games. Paxton and Walker are key pieces in the Mariners starting rotation. Rookie Diaz rose through the ranks quickly to become the Mariners closer.
McNamara will continue to scout amateur talent, but his role will expand. As the special assistant to the general manager, McNamara will also have a hand in scouting professional and international players.