Here is the official Angels Press Release for the Jerry DiPoto hire that was sent out to media and bloggers with my annotations in bold and after each paragraph.
The Angels Saturday announced former Major League pitcher Jerry Dipoto has agreed to terms on a five-year contract to become General Manager. He will oversee all aspects of the club's baseball operations and report directly to Owner Arte Moreno.
•No mention of Mike Scioscia. Chairman Kuhl and President Carpino fancy titles have less luster as of today.
Dipoto becomes the 11th General Manager in club history. "At the outset of this process, we felt it was important to find an individual who can evaluate talent, manage our entire baseball operations system, incorporate analytical thinking and possesses solid communication skills," said Moreno. "I believe with the hiring of Jerry we have done just that."
•Arte and his wife saw Moneyball. Tony couldn't communicate a defense of the Wells trade.
"What a thrill this is," said Dipoto. "I am excited and honored to be part of one of the premier franchises in baseball. The club's success in the last 10 years isn't just notable, it has catapulted the Angels into one of the top organizations in baseball. "We want to continue the success here with an increased focus on scouting and player development. We will always have championship expectations," added Dipoto.
•Better than a "Mission Statement".
Dipoto, 43, began his professional career after his selection by the Cleveland Indians in the third round of the 1989 First-Year Player draft. He would eventually make his Major League debut on May 11, 1993 for the Tribe. During a career that included time with the Indians (1993-94), New York Mets (1995-96) and Colorado Rockies (1997-2000), the Jersey City, New Jersey native compiled a 27-24 record with 49 saves and a 4.05 ERA. Forced to retire during spring training 2001 due to a bulging disc in his neck, Dipoto was immediately appointed Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Rockies.
•You jock-lovin' sportswriters who sucked up to Scioscia by exaggerating GM powers now have a jock behind a desk to be impressed with.
His front office experience continued with two seasons working in the Scouting Department for the Boston Red Sox from 2003-04 before returning to Colorado as Director of Player Personnel in 2005. He joined the Arizona Diamondbacks prior to the 2006 season as Vice-President, Player Personnel and was responsible for the organization's scouting efforts and evaluation of players at all levels. On July 1, 2010 he was appointed interim General Manager of the Diamondbacks and retained that position until the eventual hiring of Kevin Towers.
•He was the most experienced man for the job who was not a retread.
Upon his selection in the leadership role, Dipoto was active prior to the trading deadline, making four trades for Arizona that would eventually play a key role in the success of the 2011 Western Division Champion Diamondbacks. He acquired All-Star left-hander Joe Saunders and three other pitchers from the Angels in exchange for right-hander Dan Haren on July 25th, then later exchanged right-hander Edwin Jackson to the Chicago White Sox for rookie pitcher Daniel Hudson along with another pitcher on July 30th. Hudson would go on to secure a spot in Arizona's rotation, posting a 7-1 record with a 1.69 ERA, while recording 70 strikeouts in 79.2 innings during his final 11 starts. He returned this season registering a 16-12 mark and a 3.49 ERA with a 169 strikeouts. Also included in the transactions were left-handed pitching prospects Tyler Skaggs and Patrick Corbin, both top draft selections by the Angels in 2009, and left-hander David Holmberg, ranked by Baseball Americas as the eighth-best prospect in the White Sox organization. He also moved Chris Snyder to Pittsburgh in a five-player trade and Chad Qualls to Tampa Bay for minor- league pitcher Matt Gorgen on July 31.
•You capitalize the B as well as the Y in "Boo-Yah!"
Dipoto played high school baseball at Toms River High School North in New Jersey, the same school also attended by former Major Leaguers Al and Mark Leiter. Dipoto resides in Fountain Hills, AZ with his wife Tamie, daughters, Taylor and Jordan, and son, Jonah.
•He is human!
The Angels will hold a noon press conference today in the Third Floor Press Conference Room at Angel Stadium. Owner Arte Moreno, Club President John Carpino, Manager Mike Scioscia and Jerry Dipoto will participate.
•I read this email at 11:50 AM...