Arizona Diamondbacks Notebook – Two Turn Down Interviews
By Joseph Jacquez
Alex Anthopoulos and Chaim Bloom, two respected executives in the game, declined interview offers from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Arizona Diamondbacks believe they have a sound decision-making structure. On Monday, Team President and CEO Derrick Hall talked about this.
"“It’s a matter of allowing people to do their jobs, but also weighing in when there’s a matter of extreme importance, which I think is not uncommon anywhere,” said Hall."
At least two executives disagree with Hall’s assessment. Former Blue Jays General Manager and current Dodgers executive Alex Anthopoulos declined an interview offer from the Diamondbacks, as reported by Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball.
The report indicated that Anthopolous is happy with his current situation in Los Angeles, and he is concerned with moving his young family again.
Despite these issues, Heyman said many executives are intrigued by the Diamondbacks job.
“The Arizona GM job is still seen as desirable by many,” Heyman said. “To reports about candidates being turned off by the seeming instability, one interested party who hasn’t been mentioned yet opined, ‘that’s BS. There are only 30 of these jobs.’
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Another Candidate
On Sunday, Chaim Bloom of the Tampa Bay Rays became the second executive in two days to pass over the Diamondbacks, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Currently, Bloom serves as the Rays Vice President of Baseball Operations. Before hiring Derek Falvey, the Twins interviewed Bloom last month for their vacant GM job. He also contended for the Phillies G.M. opening.
In addition, Piecoro relayed that Arizona is considering Royals Assistant General Manager J.J. Picollo.
Picollo, like Bloom, received consideration from a number of teams with G.M. openings. If hired, Picollo would present a younger, different perspective. In addition, he emphasizes analytics, a quality the Diamondbacks seek.
Zack Greinke’s Contract
Also on Saturday, Heyman reported that the Dodgers offered to pay $24 million of the $35 million-plus owed to right-hander Zack Greinke.
Diamondbacks’ ownership rejected that offer. Heyman then speculated about Kendrick’s thinking.
"“The Diamondbacks ownership is said to have responded that they didn’t want to pay down a dime, saying that the Dodgers ‘had plenty of money,’ Heyman reported. “The offer to pay about $25 million per year shows the Dodgers are still willing to spend on players they love.’This was still something the Diamondbacks didn’t want to do only a half-year after signing Greinke for $206.5 million over six years. In free agency, the Dodgers offered about $155 million over five, but Greinke’s performance slipped in 2016, leading to the $25 million thought. Bob Nightengale of USA Today first reported on the in-season Greinke talks."
Even after a disappointing 2016 season, the Diamondbacks still believe they can contend in the future.
Hiring the correct general and field managers will help, but the Diamondbacks simply do not want to waste A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt‘s prime years.
The Diamondbacks have a chance to contend. For that to happen, the rotation needs to bounce back and Pollock and David Peralta stay healthy. This team is also in need of an upgraded bullpen and improved outfield defense.
Next: General Manager Candidates Emerge
If this team continues to struggle in 2017, then the Diamondbacks should consider a full rebuild. That could mean moving on from Greinke, Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt.