One of the most criticized executives in baseball was relieved of his duties Thursday, when the Philadelphia Phillies parted ways with general manager Ruben Amaro.
Amaro's legacy will inspire mixed reviews. During his tenure, the Phillies went from perennial contender to league-worst team thanks in large part to his poorly executed rebuild and his longstanding, misguided belief that the team's aging core could remain competitive.
Amaro finally conceded and traded a number of his veterans this season, but it proved too little, too late; he now finds himself removed from the organization with which he's spent the last seven years as GM.
Here are a few of the moves that cost Amaro his job:
4. Papelbon signs four-year, $50-million deal (2012)
Amaro inked closer Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year, $50-million deal - the richest total contract ever signed by a reliever. While Papelbon's performance on the mound was excellent, the Phillies ultimately paid a premium for a closer while failing to reach the postseason in each of his four seasons. When Amaro traded Papelbon this season, his high salary severely limited the Phillies' return.
3. Pence traded to Giants (2012)
On pace to miss the postseason for the first time in five years, Amaro dealt outfielder Hunter Pence to the San Francisco Giants for Tommy Joseph, Seth Rosin, and Nate Schierholtz. The trio combined to play 38 games for the Phillies, while Pence has hit .272/.328/.455 with 63 home runs across four seasons with the Giants, helping them a pair of World Series titles.
2. Lee dealt to Mariners for prospects (2009)
Cliff Lee's first stint with the Phillies was short-lived, as Amaro dealt the Cy Young winner to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, and JC Ramirez. After acquiring Roy Halladay in a trade the same day, Lee was sent west for the trio of prospects in an attempt to replenish the farm system. None of the three had much of an impact at the major league level.
1. Howard signs 5-year, $125-million extension (2010)
First baseman Ryan Howard agreed to a five-year, $125-million extension in 2010 following four straight 45-plus home run campaigns. Howard has failed to reach the 40-homer plateau - or be named to an All-Star game - since. The 35-year-old's contract has become immovable, as he's hit .232/.300/.418 over the past four seasons. The Phillies are on the hook for another $25 million in 2016.
