After resigning from the Los Angeles Angels earlier in the year, Jerry DiPoto's next big gig will keep him in the American League West. The Seattle Mariners announced Monday they hired the 47-year-old as their new general manager.
"Jerry impressed us at each step of the process," said team president Kevin Mather. "He has a very unique skill set, having been a successful player in the majors, then moving into front offices with steadily increasing responsibilities. Jerry has scouted, spent time in player development and has a track record as a very successful general manager."
DiPoto will be tasked with a somewhat similar situation to that with which he dealt during his last few years with the Angels: The Mariners have a handful of veterans eating up a good chunk of the team's budget. Robinson Cano will earn $24 million a season through 2023, while Nelson Cruz is making $14.25 million annually through 2018.
Even the seven-year, $175 million extension owed to Felix Hernandez could pose a problem down the line if 2015 is a sign of things to come. Hernandez's earned run average (3.53) is his highest since 2007.
Analyst Peter Gammons doesn't think DiPoto will take much issue with the team's current payroll:
However, ESPN's Dan Szymborski wonders whether any GM could find a solution for what's plaguing the organization as a whole:
Ideally, ownership will give DiPoto time to rebuild a minor league system that Baseball America ranked 25th to start the season. But he may not be afforded such patience when the team is paying so much money to veterans like Cano and Hernandez in an effort to win now.
DiPoto will also have to figure out what to do with manager Lloyd McClendon, who is signed through next year. Seattle has taken a big step back in 2015 after winning 87 games last year. If McClendon goes, then the Mariners might have to gamble on a relatively inexperienced replacement.
The good news for Mariners fans is that DiPoto is incredibly bright and one of the best candidates out there for the job. The question is whether he'll get the full support of his bosses to make the necessary moves to turn Seattle's fortunes around.
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