Angels Hire Jerry Dipoto as General Manager

Anaheim, CA -- The Angels today announced that former Major League pitcher Jerry Dipoto has agreed to terms on a five-year contract to become General Manager of the club.  Dipoto, the eleventh GM in team history, will oversee all aspects of the club’s baseball operations and report directly to Owner Arte Moreno.

“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.” 

Dipoto, 43, began his Major League career with the Cleveland Indians in 1993.  He eventually would play for the New York Mets and Colorado Rockies as well, compiling a 27-24 overall 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.

He later worked for two seasons in the Scouting Department of the Boston Red Sox before returning to Colorado as Director of Player Personnel in 2005.  He joined the Arizona Diamondbacks prior to the 2006 season, and was responsible for the organization’s scouting efforts and evaluation of players at all levels.

While acting as interim General Manager of the Diamondbacks, Dipoto made several shrewd moves at last year's trade deadline that helped pave the way for a successful 2011 season in Arizona.

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 on July 30th.

Hudson would post 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.

“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.

Despite a relatively high payroll last season, the Angels struggled under former GM Tony Reagins. Among the problems found on the halos' 2011 squad were several several older, highly-paid players whose games had shown signs of decline, none more than recent acquisition Vernon Wells.

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald