Front Office Restructuring Updates

[AZZenny]

Front Office Remodel Begins

DBacks website:

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks today announced that Jerry Dipoto has been named Director of Professional Scouting. The newest position within the Baseball Operations department of the organization will have Dipoto overseeing all aspects of professional scouting, including the evaluation of major and minor league talent, while reporting directly to Josh Byrnes, who was named last Friday as Senior Vice President and General Manager.

Dipoto, 37, just completed his first full season as the Director of Professional Scouting for the Colorado Rockies, joining them in that capacity on November 10, 2004. Prior to that, he spent two years in the scouting department of the Boston Red Sox.

Dipoto had an eight-year Major League career, the last four of which were with Colorado (1997-2000) before being forced to retire in the spring of 2001 due to a bulging disc in his neck. The righthander appeared in 390 games as a big leaguer, all in relief, posting a 27-24 record, 49 saves and a 4.05 ERA in 495.1 innings. His Major League career began in 1993 with Cleveland, spending two seasons with the Tribe before a two-year stint (1995-96) with the New York Mets.

Dipoto was All-Sun Belt Conference pitcher at Virginia Commonwealth, and then was selected by Cleveland in the third round of the 1989 June draft. He and his wife, Tamie, have two daughters, Taylor (12) and Jordan (10), and a son, Jonah ( 8 ).

 

[AzKarl]

I may have missed it but is Mike Rizzzo out?

With the new Director of Scouting named by Byrnes, what is to become of Mike Rizzo? I thought he was considered an up and comer. Is he not in step with the Moorad entourage?

 

[AZZenny]

Today's paper makes it sound like they are completely restructuring the FO - not just new people in the old jobs-type paint and carpet remodel, but knock out the walls and raise the roof type -- complete organizational redesign, and this apparently is not the 'same' job as Rizzo has held.

I think everyone likes and respects Mike Rizzo, and I will be one of a lot of fans very bothered if the new regime starts off by losing him. Moorad has spoken well of him all along, but other teams like the Blue Jays have wooed him and I know his contract runs out sometime this fall, so who knows. Byrnes is out of town till Friday, anyhow.

Rumors from a few journalistic sources hint that if Theo Epstein wants to keep his hand in baseball, Josh Byrnes would find a role for him here - and JB pretty much said that in today's paper. That could be interesting. Also thinner rumors that Paul DePodesta could appear in the mix.

My thoughts -> I'd rather have Bill James here than either of them...
Theo and DePo would be pretty expensive as consultants or 'special VP for whatever' and I'd rather see money go to Justin Upton and a real good young pitcher or CF...
At some point you can have too many chiefs in the kitchen, so to speak - Kendricks, Moorad, JB, Theo, DePodesta - who's actually going to do the work? Top-heavy admin isn't what we need...
Then again, watching AZFL, have to say DePodesta sure did help Oakland draft some genuine studs...
but the real key is - who then developed Oakland's or Anaheim's or Braves' minor leaguers? We need to build a REALLY good coaching staff and more sophisticated approach in the minors so we can have a higher draft-to-harvest ratio...
I also think we need a new head trainer - we should maybe be using the Suns' training system. We aren't as good at preventing injuries as rehabbing them, and there's a difference...

 

[moviegeekjn]

I think everyone likes and respects Mike Rizzo, and I will be one of a lot of fans very bothered if the new regime starts off by losing him. Moorad has spoken well of him all along, but other teams like the Blue Jays have wooed him and I know his contract runs out sometime this fall, so who knows. Byrnes is out of town till Friday, anyhow.

I'd hate to lose Rizzo as well, but at this point it wouldn't be a surprise to see him take another job, esp. the way that Byrnes is already reshaping the FO.... and certainly Toronto and other teams would love to have Rizzo in their organization.

 

[AZZenny]

Mike Rizzo stays

The transformation of the front office, however, continued this week with Assistant GM Bob Miller learning he wouldn't be returning, although interim GM Bob Gebhard and amateur scouting director Mike Rizzo will remain. Gebhard will return to his previous capacity as vice president and special assistant to the GM. Rizzo will retain his position, with added responsibilities, particularly in player-development areas.

From the AZRepub today. We can breathe easier!
Perhaps they are putting Rizzo in charge of both the draft and farm system? He must like what he sees coming with Byrnes, since he knew he was being heavily courted by other teams.

I like this FO team so far.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Whew... best news of the off-season!

 

[Dback Jon]

Excellent news!

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Whew... best news of the off-season!

Agreed

 

[CronosCard]

"..And in this corner.."

Can one of you post the scouting reports of the 2005 draft picks for the D-Backs, or where I can in-depth SReports on these players???
I really believe in Rizzo, especially since JByrnes kept him and gave him more responsibilities.. Please help me find this info! Thanks!! :notworthy

 

[boondockdrunk]

Can one of you post the scouting reports of the 2005 draft picks for the D-Backs, or where I can in-depth SReports on these players???
I really believe in Rizzo, especially since JByrnes kept him and gave him more responsibilities.. Please help me find this info! Thanks!! :notworthy

Do you mean this?

 

[devilfan02]

Possible GM Assistant: Theo Epstein

Xtra Sports 910 just reported that our new GM might bring Theo Epstein on as an assistant GM. Epstein as made it clear he doesn't want a full GM position for a year or two but wants to stay involved so he doesn't get too detached from the day to day operations. He is obvioulsy good friends with Byrnes from their days in Boston. I think this would be a great move for the Dbacks as long as he wouldn't be too expensive and if Byrnes thinks he could have a good working relationship with since he is now the boss. Also, who knows if Moorad and Kendrick could deal with that much attention being taken away from them..... a$$holes!!! Just lettin everyone know but I think it would be good. We need all the help in the front office we can get.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Xtra Sports 910 just reported that our new GM might bring Theo Epstein on as an assistant GM. Epstein as made it clear he doesn't want a full GM position for a year or two but wants to stay involved so he doesn't get too detached from the day to day operations. He is obvioulsy good friends with Byrnes from their days in Boston. I think this would be a great move for the Dbacks as long as he wouldn't be too expensive and if Byrnes thinks he could have a good working relationship with since he is now the boss. Also, who knows if Moorad and Kendrick could deal with that much attention being taken away from them..... a$$holes!!! Just lettin everyone know but I think it would be good. We need all the help in the front office we can get.

I've heard that rumor as well, and I would by ALL means be in favor of it. I think actually it's a great plan, because should Byrnes need guidance he could turn to Theo and Gebhardt both of whom have that experience.

Question is, does he take the job?

 

[devilfan02]

I've heard that rumor as well, and I would by NO means be in favor of it. I think actually it's a great plan, because should Byrnes need guidance he could turn to Theo and Gebhardt both of whom have that experience.

Question is, does he take the job?

I'm confused, are you for Epstein comin here or not???

 

[Espo]

This can do nothin but help an organization who has lost some credibility in the past few years. I would like the move and think that it could help in the free agent market.

 

[devilfan02]

This can do nothin but help an organization who has lost some credibility in the past few years. I would like the move and think that it could help in the free agent market.

Def, I'm all for it. If he comes on, our front office NEEDS to give them their budget and leave them alone. Let them shape this team, it would be awesome. Look at the mess Kendrik did last summer in the FA market...... He tied up a lot of money in a HORRIBLE pitcher and a hot and cold Glaus. I'm still hopin Glaus will turn it around next year.

EPSTEIN AND PIERRE IN '06

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Correction. I meant I am ALL in favor of bringing him in.

Dont mind me. I'm in the middle of the worst stretch of school yet, and am drained as could be.

 

[devilfan02]

No problem

 

[KingLouieLouie]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1123dbacks.html

D-Backs name ex-Red Sox exec assistant GM
Byrnes decides on Woodfork

Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 23, 2005


Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes continued the reshaping the team’s front office today with the hiring of Peter Woodfork as assistant GM. Woodfork spent the past three seasons as director of baseball operations and assistant director of the player development for the Boston Red Sox.

“We have certainly upgraded our already talented baseball staff with the hiring of Peter,” said Byrnes, who was the Red Sox’ assistant GM the past three seasons under Theo Epstein. “I have had the honor of working with him and have first-hand knowledge of his experience, intellect and passion.

“He has built a tremendous reputation in this industry due to his successful track record with the commissioner’s office and the Red Sox, and I look forward to his arrival and contributions.”

Woodfork, 29, spent two years working in the labor relations department with Major League Baseball before joining Boston’s front office in March, 2003. He holds a degree in psychology from Harvard University, where he started at second and third base for four years before graduating in 1999.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Cleveland's Atkins the front runner for DBack Farm Director Job

Here's the take from Clevelanders

If the Indians lose Latin American operations boss Ross Atkins - he's a contender for the Arizona Diamondbacks' farm director job - don't underestimate the impact of his exit. Since assuming the team's Latin America job in August 2003, Atkins has dramatically improved the Indians' ability to scout and sign talented players in that region. Before that, the Indians often had to make trades to acquire legitimate Latino prospects. According to estimates, Latinos make up nearly 30 percent of baseball's major-leaguers - and that number could grow soon.

 

[boondockdrunk]

A.J. Hinch named the Diamondbacks' manager of minor league operations

A.J. Hinch today was named the Diamondbacks' manager of minor league operations.
Hinch spent September as the Phillies' third catcher, but he never actually got into a game. The 31-year-old Stanford product ends his career with a .219/.280/.356 line and 32 homers in 953 major league at-bats. More was expected of him when he came up with the A's in 1998, but he could have quite a career in the front office ahead of him

 

[AZZenny]

Holy moly! Now THAT is a weird hire.

 

[CronosCard]

"..And in this corner.."

First of all, thanx boondockdrunk for the thread about the DBack draft choices! And nm132..
2] Can you all clear up for me the difference in jobtitles between Jerry DiPito, and Paul DePodesta?
3] Any updates on signing Justin Upton since JB was hired? Let's pay the extra million guaranteed, sign him to a major-league instead of minor-league deal[ala stephen Drew], and tell him straight "you are almost 2 years behind Drew, so you probably will be changing positions which will be the fastest way to get you to the D-Backs!! What do you all think?

 

[KingLouieLouie]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1129dbacks1129.html

Hirings, promotion fill D-Backs front office

Nick Piecoro
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 29, 2005 12:00 AM

With their organizational meetings set to begin today, the Diamondbacks on Monday completed the reshaping of their front office under General Manager Josh Byrnes.

Former major league catcher A.J. Hinch was named manager of minor league operations and Chad MacDonald was hired as assistant director of scouting.

The team also announced that Mike Rizzo was promoted to a vice president's position. He will take on a greater role in the organization while continuing to run the amateur draft, which he has done for the past six years.

The team officially announced that Bob Gebhard will return to his position as special assistant to the GM, a post he held last year before being elevated to interim GM.

Hinch, a Stanford graduate, ended a nine-year playing career - he spent most of last season with the Philadelphia Phillies' Triple-A affiliate - to assume a leadership role in player development.

MacDonald comes from the Los Angeles Angels, for whom he served as an area scout. MacDonald previously scouted for Cleveland at the same time Byrnes was a part of the Indians front office.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Great news about Rizzo... great great great!!