bruin5

With Eppler it's pretty clear to see he values defense and organizational depth. He's also shown a willingness to take a chance on high ceiling guys. He seems to have a long term plan while still intending to attempt to compete in the present. With DiPoto, I don't know that I see a real philosophy. He trades in the moment, with no apparent long term plan. I don't believe he didn't have any input on Pujols or Hamilton, but, even if he didn't, he made the call on Baldoquin which may be one of the dumbest moves ever. He's a volume trader but, as John Wooden said, "never mistake activity for achievement". I'm really not sure what Seattle saw in him, but it's not like they are noted for identifying front office talent.

Simmons taketh away, Smith giveth.....

Rondon could not stay within the organization so he was never a viable replacement. He had poor defensive mechanics and not a great attitude. His hitting stats with us may have been overinflated. While I can't share exactly why, it was no coincidence that the first time SB faced Lake Elsinore after he was traded SB's pitchers were throwing at him and hit him a couple of time. DiPoto learned about the issue, and made the trade about 3 or 4 days after. Any GM would have traded him, the question is the value in return. Seems to me the Angels made out very well on this one.

I would pump the brakes on giving DiPoto total credit on this one. Rondon had to be traded - his actions left the Angels no choice. I'm not sure what type of trade DiPoto was going to make, but he did make something good out of a bad situation. Basically, he was playing a bit with house money on this one.

I never had a chance to meet him, but I'm sure he was a nice guy. I'm just sharing what I heard. I'm not sure there is a correlation between being a nice guy and being a great leader and relationship builder. Either way, hope he does okay in Seattle - won't wish him well because they are direct competitors. I was sorry to see Klentak go. Heard nothing but good things and I think he will do well in Philadelphia. I do like Eppler also. I think he's built a pretty good staff, doesn't seem to overreact, and is more collegial in his approach. He's hamstrung by financial limitations and a pitiful farm system. Killer combination.

I kind of laugh at the "Jerry has a great personality" comment. I do know that a key member of the Angels Minor League system had 1 interaction with him in 3 years, and that was DiPoto nodding hello while he was on the phone and this person was passing by. Sure, he wasn't a direct report, but why would you not reach out to one of your managers to find out how things are going. And, to the argument that "if he was so bad, why did he get another job". It's called the Seattle Mariners. I would not use them as the poster child for making great decisions on GM's. DiPoto reminds me of the Wooden axiom of "don't mistake activity for achievement". He's a volume trader - sometimes he wins, sometimes he loses, but he makes a lot of moves. He's doing the same in Seattle. And, Ric Wilson may be director of scouting, but DiPoto is the guy in charge and sets direction. By the way, my contact has talked to Eppler multiple times. Does, that mean Eppler will be a better GM? No. But it does show he may be more inclusive in the way he approaches decisions. Servais apparently had a reputation to being abrasive (my contact did not sense that but was told that by a number of people). It will be interesting watching him manage a clubhouse in Seattle.

Of the three, Klentak is the one we'll miss. He was a good communicator, and respected by many in the organization. I am looking forward to seeing how Servais does in Seattle. He's not known as being a good at building relationships, so it will be interesting how he performs in a job that essentially involves managing relationships. Also a somewhat interesting choice by DiPoto. He seems to have taken the path of least resistance rather than hiring the most qualified person. Maybe he was the best candidate, but I never heard his name mentioned for any other manager openings.....

This will certainly be interesting for M's fans. You hire a guy as manager who has no prior managing experience, and is not known for his relationship skills. Managing the 25 people in the clubhouse is as vital as baseball strategy. Not sure he can do either.

I don't think I've seen this posted, but I would bet the Butcher hire was done at Arte's request. From what I understand Butcher was the guy that really went off on DiPoto, incredibly disrespectful to a guy who is his boss. He thought he was all that because at the time the pitching staff was doing well. Scoscia tried to play middle man but Butcher was out of control. This is Arte removing a potential stumbling block for Eppler while at the same time making it clear to Scoscia that he supports Eppler.