SEATTLE (AP) - The Seattle Mariners have found their new general manager, hiring former Angels GM Jerry Dipoto.
"Jerry impressed us at each step of the process," said Mariners President Kevin Mather. "He has a very unique skill set, having been a successful player in the Majors, then moving into front offices with steadily increasing responsibilities. Jerry has scouted, spent time in player development and has a track record as a very successful General Manager.
Seattle announced Dipoto's hiring Monday. He replaces Jack Zduriencik, who was fired in late August after seven disappointing seasons during which the club failed to end its playoff drought. With the Toronto Blue Jays making the postseason this year, the Mariners now have the longest playoff absence in baseball at 14 years and counting.
Dipoto's job will be to end that playoff drought and continue rebuilding a farm system that had highs and lows during Zduriencik's tenure. Dipoto was the Angels' general manager for 3 ½ years before resigning on July 1 following clashes with manager Mike Scioscia that began the first year they worked together.
"I'm honored to be joining the Mariners family," Dipoto said. "As the 2015 season draws to a close, we have a great fan base, ballpark and organization, providing a great opportunity for success. I truly look forward to both the challenges and rewards to come as we chart a fresh course for the future of Mariners baseball."
Dipoto becomes the Mariners' ninth full-time General Manager in franchise history. He was most recently working as a front office special assistant for the Boston Red Sox.
