Jerry DiPoto as Angels GM: Challenges Abound

by Rev Halofan on Oct 28, 2011 12:07 PM PDT in Angels News

Rumor from every corner of the Halosphere is that Jerry DiPoto is slated to be named the General Manager of the Angels after the conclusion of the World Series. The hiring has garnered much praise across the baseball spectrum. His charge is most certainly to return the Angel to the postseason. Here are some of the challenges that await him...

Mike Scioscia: The manager will most certainly not be calling the shots, but will he limited to just offering his opinion and what transpires if something happens about which he is not happy or was not asked for his input? Is the man who makes his players team players actually a team player himself?

Jeff Mathis: It is impossible to imagine any team in baseball trading for him so the underperforming package of potential must be released.

Vernon Wells: A masterstroke that may be beyond human ability would be to trade Wells, get anything that approximates contribution from the return of the trade and/or any salary relief.

Mike Trout: How this future superstar's trajectory is handled could influence the height of his performance ceiling. If he is ready for prime-time, is at the expense of Peter Bourjos or one of the aging vets?

Mark Trumbo: Some stat lines would indicate his stellar rookie campaign might be a mirage and to sell high in a trade is the best course of action, and yet, debunking projections has been this power hitter's calling card since being drafted, as is the consideration of playing on a fractured foot for seven weeks to end the season.

Kendrys Morales: If he is going to be healthy this year, can a two-year deal be constructed in order to benefit the Angels commitment? This is K-Mo's walk year and wouldn't you know it, his agent is Scott Boras.

David Eckstein: Will the gritty heart of the 2002 World Champions be coaxed out of retirement to become the team's leadoff hitter? Just kidding, gotta make sure you are paying attention.

Jordan Walden: Was it bad luck that delivered all those blown saves or inexperience from which the team will benefit looking forward? DiPoto is a former reliever and should know if selling high on what other teams will see as an affordable closer is the way to go.

Bobby Abreu: Would a National League team like a $9 million walk-taking singles hitter with great speed and no power?

Tyler Chatwood: Is there anyone else on this earth that can be this team's #5?

Howie Kendrick: Would you sign the keystone of this infield to a five year deal in his free agent walk year?

Dennis Kuhl: Will his budget to buy paintings for his favorite Yankees be cut?

And this is just the first day on the job...

Poll

Do you approve of Jerry DiPoto as Angels General Manager?

Yes

454 votes

I am taking a wait and see attitude

427 votes

WWLSD? (What Would Lyle Spencer Do?)

39 votes

920 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 61 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I'm pretty sure Morales can't walk until 2013

See what I did there?

by Suboptimal on Oct 28, 2011 12:12 PM PDT reply actions

God I hope you're wrong

Not funny!

(But well played)

"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you." - Woody Hayes

by johnnyangel101 on Oct 28, 2011 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought you were going to suggest we hire David Eckstein as hitting coach.

Seemed like a good idea for a split second.

by Rock Island Line on Oct 28, 2011 12:21 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

I'm all for Tim Salmon

Either way I would waste all 3 genie wishes on getting rid of Hatcher

by Dontbatvlad4th on Oct 28, 2011 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought Eck as a coach also, we need some fire

In 2012, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Angel's First World Championship

by tanana40 on Oct 28, 2011 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

As little as I know about what makes a great big league coach

everything I hear about Eck would indicate he’d be a nice fit. I know his brother is a well respected coach (high school? college?). He’s always seemed to be one of the more “heady” players in the game and I recall a quote from Barry Bonds in which he called Eck his favorite player and claimed that he asked David about how he managed to stay inside the ball so well. Yes, one of the finest hitters in the history of the game was asking Eckstein for batting tips.

In any case, he couldn’t be any worse than what we have now.

by dmhead on Oct 29, 2011 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions

Eckstein's brother is the Nationals hitting coach

by ~MMP~ on Oct 29, 2011 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Jerry must have had some convincing answers to these questions and others as he was

the one that has gotten the job.

Napoli's 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th homers of the year (four more than Jeff Mathis' career total) rained down on Angel Stadium like knives from the ceiling.

by 44FAN on Oct 28, 2011 12:25 PM PDT reply actions

He also needs to start surrounding himself with his new FO team

In Arizona, Bob Gebhard and Mike Fetters worked closely with the Towers and DiPoto. Todd Greene was one of their top scouts.

Who knows. But I’m sure he has “his guys” that he wants to bring along, from whatever organization. Since DiPoto has been around several different teams, he probably has a good idea who he wants.

And maybe he’ll force his former manager and former Halo MVP to become the new hitting coach. One can wish.

"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you." - Woody Hayes

by johnnyangel101 on Oct 28, 2011 12:26 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Great point

Who he hires as assistants and where they’re currently working will tell us a whole lot about where Jerry’s head is at.

RIP Nick Adenhart

by ihearhowie2.0 on Oct 28, 2011 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions

I bet they are all going to be happy to be out of that hell hole called Phoenix

When I'm not at the stadium, I'd rather be watching my Halos back in Costa Rica!

by Dono Romantico on Oct 29, 2011 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Todd Greene?

as in former Angel catching bust?

"The Transplant" (So. Cal boy stuck in NYC)

by BryanHarvey'sMoustache on Oct 29, 2011 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions

Soooooo.... Is this good?

I don’t know the guy.
In layman’s terms: are we happy campers?

by Halo Hurricane on Oct 28, 2011 12:45 PM PDT reply actions

yes

he was named as the #1 guy on a list of potential GMs. he has a solid scouting/player development background and a successful stint as an interim GM. seems like a very sharp, smart man.

read this – LINK

Thank you, Nick Adenhart. You will always be remembered. #34

by howiestheman on Oct 28, 2011 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Thanks.

That article and the one at hardballtalk looks like he’s no stranger to the saber side of things, so that’s also encouraging.

by Halo Hurricane on Oct 28, 2011 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Wait and see approach

It really comes down to what happens with Mathis. In my conspiracy riddled mind that is the big indicator of who is really running the show. If Mathis remains, it’s still Sosh at the strings. If Mathis goes, at least we know the GM is there to win games.

by Dontbatvlad4th on Oct 28, 2011 12:50 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

Agreed

That decision will let me know who really runs the team. For now, I’m going to be optimistic and say this DiPoto does.

Unfortunately, I see a “save face” situation occurring in which Mathis is non-tendered only to be signed to a minor league deal with an invite to Tempe.

by JeffJoiner on Oct 28, 2011 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Wait and see approach

He may be limited by what he can do this off season outside of trades and resigning some guys. His big test will come next off season when Abreu and Hunter’s contracts are done.

by mustang6944 on Oct 28, 2011 1:01 PM PDT reply actions

I am 95% on board with this

DiPoto is young guy, but he has (limited) experience as a GM. He was an understudy on a World Series champion and has helped re-build the D-Backs.

For all the stat-centric people, DiPoto is somewhat of a stat guy. What excites me is that he has history of being part of a championship team and helping to turn around a struggling franchise.

Here’s the other 5% that doesn’t excite me:

He is a young guy and has only worn the tag of “interim GM” which makes me wonder how much power he’s really going to have in the Angels FO.

Plus, if Soch was part of the hiring process – AND DiPoto got the job – then figure he gave a “wait-and-see” answer to Mathis.

I really hope that DiPoto is given a chance to succeed – or fail – without interference from the field manager.

No matter what, this is a better move than I imagined.

"And the Anaheim Angels are the Champions of Baseball!"

by Grichfan on Oct 28, 2011 1:18 PM PDT reply actions

He gets to hire all of his assistants and other player development personel

I’m confident he is gonna get some power here.

"Its like when i’m right…i’m right… and when i’m wrong…i could have been right..so i’m still right cause i could have been wrong"-Chevy Clarke's Twitter

by ryanfea on Oct 28, 2011 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions

If Timmy Brown is right...then this is good news

An article by Tim Brown

Through meetings with owner Arte Moreno and president John Carpino, though not manager Mike Scioscia, the Angels were taken by Dipoto’s expertise in the new metrics and traditional scouting and development. Although Scioscia is often assumed to have a stronger voice in front office decisions than most other managers, a source said the decision to hire Dipoto was made by Moreno and Carpino, with input from former GM Bill Stoneman.

by bruin 95 on Oct 28, 2011 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Scioscia is running the ship

When I'm not at the stadium, I'd rather be watching my Halos back in Costa Rica!

by Dono Romantico on Oct 29, 2011 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions

sounds an awful lot like paranoia now.

by Balls and Strikes on Oct 29, 2011 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions

And it's getting annoying

Whatever heavy hand Scioscia had in decisions made by the front office in recent years reflects poorly on Reagins and Reagins alone. As GM, he had the final say in all matters. If he let Scioscia steer him in the wrong direction that simply reflects what a weak GM he really was.

DiPoto is one of the most respected figureheads in the game. Why on earth would he accept the job if he couldn’t build the team according to his own vision? It doesn’t shock me when asshats like Jeff Miller make these claims, but I expect more from the good people here at Halos Heaven.

by dmhead on Oct 29, 2011 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

Wow. I am shocked.

Makes you wonder why they didn’t not include Scoscia? Maybe this means Dipoto will have a stronger voice than some of us thought. I am curious to see the background of the people he brings in. Will he find the rare talents that can combine both the traditional and metrics methods or will he mix and match the two.

by mustang6944 on Oct 29, 2011 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions

For me, it's wait and see, but I like it

However, it’s not like he has a whole lot of room to maneuver in the gigantic shit pile left behind by Reagins, so I’ll be patient this offseason…

by Big Easy Halofan on Oct 28, 2011 1:20 PM PDT reply actions

It’s a whole new world. We are already better since Reagins isn’t here. :)

"Stay loyal to the Angels. As for me, I'm jumping on the Nationals bandwagon, later." -Daniel Sirca

by migfig on Oct 28, 2011 1:31 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

I definitely like it on paper

But obviously results are all that matter

RIP Nick Adenhart

by ihearhowie2.0 on Oct 28, 2011 1:40 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Curious if his familiarity with the NL West could lead to some interest in Chase Headley

No spectacular, but not too shabby of a solution at the hot corner either.

Before people tell me I’m stupid: he’s 27, his slugging % is over 100 points higher outside of Petco park and he’s certainly a cheaper solution than a lot of “star” 3B.

RIP Nick Adenhart

by ihearhowie2.0 on Oct 28, 2011 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions

There's a lot to like about Chase Headley

It’d be great to have him if there was more certainty about his glove. His defensive numbers have ranged from excellent to terrible over the last few seasons.

by Suboptimal on Oct 28, 2011 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Good point on Headley

His lifetime OPS on the road is over .800. Don’t be fooled by his overall numbers. As far as DiPoto is concerned, he made some impressive trades late last season. The Haren trade worked out well for both teams. Whether or not he will have full reign to call the shots is important. I’ll feel much better about this move if it becomes clear that he does.

by JWbruin on Oct 28, 2011 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions

For me, seeing that he has experience with many other organziation

makes him a good candidate. time will tell but so far so good. lets hope.

conger > mathis

by ihigh on Oct 28, 2011 1:53 PM PDT reply actions

Sheering the sheep

For those of you who believe Scioscia is the “real” GM… I’ve got something different for you to read and consider at True Grich.

http://truegrich.blogspot.com
http://baseballdocent.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/truegrich

by True Grich on Oct 28, 2011 2:10 PM PDT reply actions

You could fill a barn with all the straw men you just knocked over

I don’t think anyone around here is particularly impressed by public faces or media tropes, and no one has ever suggested that Mike Scioscia is literally the general manager. However, he doesn’t have to sign the checks to share responsibility for the current state of the team. You’re absolving him entirely, and for evidence you offer your abiding personal respect for the man. You can become a lemming by falling for PR just as easily as by blindly following the local press.

Also, one can sheer off course, but one shears a sheep.

by Suboptimal on Oct 28, 2011 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Yea, be prepared

To be bitch slapped (I’m True Grich, bitch!)
I’m to believe I have never come up with an original thought of my own.
I’m an idiot for thinking Scioscia may have too much FO power.
On and on buzz kill buzz kill.

by Halo Hurricane on Oct 28, 2011 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions

True Grich musta drunk the last of the kool-aid.

Scioscia became the GM because Reagins ended up being too weak and inexperienced to handle the job. Why to this day and the last recent interviews has Scioscia defended the Wells trade and keeps saying Wells will spring back next season? Because he was waist deep in the deal? Why was Russell Branyon signed but rarely ever played? Because Scioscia did’t approve of the acqusition? Why was Mathis kept on the roster all season long and played regularly when any normal thinking GM would have DFA him and looked for a viable replacement? Because Scioscia was the real GM. Arte did’nt want to fire Scioscia so he fired Reagins and hired a hopefully strong and independent new GM to send a message to Scioscia that he is no longer the GM.

Napoli's 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th homers of the year (four more than Jeff Mathis' career total) rained down on Angel Stadium like knives from the ceiling.

by 44FAN on Oct 30, 2011 12:30 AM PDT up reply actions

The fact that Tony was still retained within the organization makes me think that you might be right.

Arte could have just fired him and paid off the rest of his contract. I guess we’ll know for sure when Del Taco Tony’s contract runs out after next season.

My response to your letter of February 19, 1976, is - kiss my ass.
Sincerely,
Bill Baxley, Attorney General

by sheisalovelyladyandmyapologiestoher on Oct 31, 2011 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions

resignation > firing

if he leaves now, does he take a file folder full of scouting reports with him somewhere else. If he is here now getting paid to show up to ribbon cuttings and the computer passwords all get changed he is just eventually out of the loop.

by Rev Halofan on Oct 31, 2011 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions

i like the hire

Vernon Wells / #10 / LAA / LF 2011-2014
2011 - $23M / '12-'14 - $21M(x3)

by dan73962 on Oct 28, 2011 2:11 PM PDT reply actions

I like it only because he looks like a metrosexual Bill Nye the Science Guy

Any good he does for the team is just a bonus

"I too played shortstop for many years until I was struck down by Acne and Baby Fat" HST

by No Bologna Polonia on Oct 28, 2011 2:20 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Mike Scioscia: "We have to keep Mathis because of his CERA and premium defense!"

Jerry DiPoto, former MLB pitcher and new Angels GM:

Scioscialist Party of America - Redistributing your defense since 2000.

by Commander_Nate on Oct 28, 2011 2:21 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

That's where his MLB experience is key

Sosh can’t play the “he never played” card.

by JeffJoiner on Oct 28, 2011 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Not Only

did he play, but he played recently. Lots of guys he played both with and against are still playing (e.g., he has pitched to Bobby Abreu).

by jjackflash on Oct 28, 2011 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm going to have to turn in my nerd card.

I can’t identify the episode. Is it the one with the Kelvans?

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Nov 1, 2011 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Alright Jerry, lets do this!

Lets see what you can do this off season!!

"Every time I think I’m out, they pull me back in" -George Costanza

by Howie's Batting Title on Oct 28, 2011 2:48 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

More info from the L.A. Times

Here

A wise man does not need advice and a fool won't take it.

by angelslogic on Oct 28, 2011 2:59 PM PDT reply actions

Awesome hire!

Can’t wait to see what his first offseason brings us.

The 2011 Angels, the biggest cocktease ever.

by Angelsrthebest101 on Oct 28, 2011 3:14 PM PDT reply actions

He reminds me of the guy who played Ferris Bueller on the short-lived tv version of the popular movie of the same name.

"Lose your pants and only good things can happen."-MayhemInTheHood

by Mayheminthehood on Oct 28, 2011 4:05 PM PDT reply actions

Or the clone: Parker Lewis Can't Lose

If the Halos don't care about the way they play, then why should I?

by red floyd on Oct 28, 2011 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Dennis Kuhl's budget for special assistants should be cut

Dennis Kuhl receiving special assistance from Special Assistant Tony Reagins

Oh piss boy…

All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine.

by Quad Fin Rider on Oct 28, 2011 4:08 PM PDT reply actions

Mehhh...not too happy about this

Moreno could have done a lot worse, but he could have done better. DiPoto strikes me as the young, smart, but spineless and malleable guy that Scioscia could perhaps control. I’m not saying I really believe this, it’s just a hunch. They should have hired Ng…she got BALLS.

Mark Trumbo: 2011 Rookie of the Year

by nicolasville on Oct 28, 2011 4:23 PM PDT reply actions

Regarding Ng having balls, I want proof!

A wise man does not need advice and a fool won't take it.

by angelslogic on Oct 28, 2011 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Spineless and Malleable?

What in the world ever could have given you that idea? I mean, we don’t have much to go by, but the evidence that does exist suggests the opposite of what you believe. What makes you think that, when information we DO have paints the exact opposite picture?

by jjackflash on Oct 28, 2011 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs

Again, it's just a hunch

I just can’t forget that press conference right after the Haren trade when he basically justified the whole thing by saying Saunders was a “winner.” Of course, I’m probably forgetting a few things too, and I am by no means saying he definitely is “spineless and malleable”. That was an undue exaggeration on my part. If the whole baseball world is praising him, that’s good enough for me. However, I just think Ng has more motivation, is more determined, and would be more aggressive in making positive changes to the club. I also think she’d be less willing to let Scioscia manipulate her. Why? Well, she’s a woman in a male-dominated business – to get where she’s at, one needs a helluva lot of determination. I would imagine she’s had people say she could not arise to such a high status early in her career, but she’s proved them wrong. That’s not to mention her extensive baseball credentials, to use a cliche. DiPoto just doesn’t look as good next to her, even though he has loads of experience in his own right. However, DiPoto seems very solid, and everyone praises his accomplishments and personality, so I gladly welcome him.

Mark Trumbo: 2011 Rookie of the Year

by nicolasville on Oct 29, 2011 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Forgive us

If we don’t rush to judge the new GM based on your “hunch” and what you “imagine.”

by Brody on Oct 29, 2011 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

What the hell?

DiPoto strikes me as exactly the opposite of what you described. Bright, great communicator, former major leaguer, mentally tough cancer survivor, experienced, well-rounded.

At this point in time, I don’t think anybody needs to “stand up” to Scioscia anyways. Something tells me Mike is going to lay low this offseason, and let the FO do its job.

"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you." - Woody Hayes

by johnnyangel101 on Oct 29, 2011 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs