Mariners hire Jerry Dipoto as new GM
The Seattle Mariners found their new general manager on Monday, hiring Jerry Dipoto roughly three months after the 47-year-old resigned as GM of the Los Angeles Angels.
Dipoto, who spent the last few months as a special assistant for the Boston Red Sox, will be introduced Tuesday in a press conference.
"I'm honored to be joining the Mariners family," Dipoto said in a statement. "As the 2015 season draws to a close, we have a great fan base, ballpark and organization, providing a great opportunity for success. I truly look forward to both the challenges and rewards to come as we chart a fresh course for the future of Mariners baseball."
DIPOTO'S RESUME
| Years | Team(s) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| '93-'00 | CLE/NYM/COL | Player |
| '03-'04 | Red Sox | Scout |
| '05-'06 | Rockies | Dir. Player Personnel |
| '06-'11 | D-Backs | VP (Interim GM in 2010) |
| '11-'15 | Angels | General Manager |
Dipoto is set to replace Jack Zduriencik, who was fired Aug. 28 after almost seven years as general manager, throughout which he was unable to snap the franchise's playoff drought, now the longest in the majors. For the last four weeks, Zduriencik's longtime assistant, Jeff Kingston, served as interim general manager.
"Jerry impressed us at each step of the process," Mariners president Kevin Mather said in a statement. "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."
Throughout his tenure with the Angels, which began in October 2011, Dipoto oversaw some of the biggest free-agent signings in franchise history, including Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, and C.J. Wilson. Though the Angels earned just one playoff berth under his stewardship, Dipoto helped the club to a 98-64 record in 2014, the most wins in the majors.