Despite all the initial hoopla about the Angels considering Andrew Friedman for their open General Manager position, it turns out that Friedman was serious when he said he doesn’t want to be anywhere else but Tampa. The most recently report from Ken Rosenthal suggests the Angels will name Jerry Dipoto as their new GM.
Dipoto served as Arizona’s interim GM after Josh Byrnes was fired back in 2010, and he was currently working as the D’back’s Vice President of Scouting and Player Development. He was one of the top executives on the market for a GM position.
So although the Angels courted Friedman and named him as their top choice, it appears even their deep pocketbook and large payroll could entice him away from the Rays. This isn’t entirely surprising news, as Friedman and Rays owner Stuart Sternberg have close ties, but it is comforting news for Rays fan nonetheless. If Friedman wasn’t willing to be wooed by the Angels, the odds of him leaving the Rays anytime soon are extremely slim.
Even if Friedman did want to leave, though, his options would be all but gone. Outside of the Angels, the Orioles were the only other team to have an opening at GM, and it appears they are likely going to hire Tony LaCava for their position. LeCava is currently serving as the assistant General Manager for the Blue Jays, so he’ll likely bring an intelligent perspective to the O’s.