A source close to the Mariners organization tells the KING 5 Sports department that M's Professional Scouting Director Carmen Fusco was told he will not return next year.
This reportedly comes because of the way the Mariners handled the Cliff Lee trade when they picked up pitcher Josh Lueke in the deal.
Lueke missed most of the 2009 season facing rape and sodomy charges in Bakersfield, California last summer. He later pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of false imprisonment with violence. Lueke was sentenced to 40 days in prison, but was freed with time already served after agreeing to the plea bargain.
Fusco has been working in baseball for 35 years. He was named the Director of Professional Scouting for the Mariners on November 10th, 2008.
The Mariners would not confirm that Fusco has been relieved of his duties or that his contract has not been renewed.
