bruin5

What everyone didn't know that while DiPoto was charismatic, his ability to build effective relationships with the staff was pretty limited.  Eppler may be exact opposite - not as charismatic, but accessible to staff and values relationships.  It also doesn't hurt that it seems pretty clear that he is very comfortable in the role.   It sure would have been nice if he had a crack at the international market last year as well.....

I'm rooting for him as well.  I had heard the same from coaches about Baldoquin as well.  Works hard, very coachable, but the combination of expectations and moving to the U.S. may have been too much for him.  I think sending him down may have the benefit of lessening those expectations and maybe giving him more confidence.  He was probably in High A before he was ready.
It's also unfortunate that he is the poster child for the DiPoto failures.  We all know that there are plenty of other examples to choose from.... 

I'm rooting for him as well.  I had heard the same from coaches about Baldoquin as well.  Works hard, very coachable, but the combination of expectations and moving to the U.S. may have been too much for him.  I think sending him down may have the benefit of lessening those expectations and maybe giving him more confidence.  He was probably in High A before he was ready.
It's also unfortunate that he is the poster child for the DiPoto failures.  We all know that there are plenty of other examples to choose from.... 

So, I count 10 of the top 20 were drafted or acquired by Eppler.   I'll give props to Eppler and leave it at that....

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. 

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. 

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 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.....

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.....

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.

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.

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.