Developing a winning culture...

The Everett Aqua Sox won the Northwest League

The Tacoma Rainiers won the Pacific Coast League

Jack Zduriencik made the following comments as the rings were presented at camp...

"I said this last year, and I'm going to say it again, we want to make this the best minor league system in all of baseball."

"You build it with people of character. You build it with people buying in. You build it with talent. You build it with unity."

""Every single player here wants to be a major league baseball player. You are never going to get back these days. You need to maximize your time. Do not sell yourself short."

"A lot of players get to the big leagues of talent, but a lot more players get to the big leagues because of this (pointing to his heart."

"We are here for you, so be here for us."

In 2010 the Mariners had one of the most abysmal seasons in their history.  But, throughout the organization there was success after success as 8 of the Mariners 9 affiliates went to the post season and two of them went on to win their respective league's championship.

Some might say that minor league championships don't really matter and that, much like spring training, it's the individual development and performances that count. But, seems to me that developing a "culture of winning" can be a vital element of a successful organization.  In the Mariners case, the young Aqua Sox can carry that winning experience with them as they move through the system.  And, the Rainiers players can take their winning experience with them when it's their turn at the bigs.

Last season, we saw first hand what a negative impact bad chemistry can have on a team.  It only makes sense that winning experience (and the attitude it cultivates) could impact a team in a positive way.  It won't happen overnight, or even in one season, but the culture seems to be changing.  Here's to a new Mariner culture ... the culture of winning.