Lloyd McClendon will interview for the Mariners’ managerial opening this week, major-league sources confirmed to FOXSports.com.

This is believed to be McClendon’s first managerial interview since he was dismissed as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2005. That is surprising, given his credentials and the performance of Tigers hitters during his time as the Detroit batting coach.

McClendon had a .430 winning percentage over five seasons in Pittsburgh, but his tenure was a relative success when compared to the records of his successors. The Pirates won 70-plus games only three times over the past 11 years; McClendon was the manager in each of those seasons.

McClendon’s first season as the Detroit batting coach was 2007, when Magglio Ordonez, Placido Polanco and Curtis Granderson enjoyed career years. This season, he worked with potential MVP (Miguel Cabrera) and Rookie of the Year (Austin Jackson) award winners.

The 51-year-old’s hitting background could help the Mariners, who had a historically poor offense in 2010. Players respect McClendon, a former major-league outfielder, and his even-tempered demeanor would play well in a clubhouse that disintegrated toward the end of this season.

— Jon Paul Morosi