The Arizona Diamondbacks are starting over. After a disastrous season, in which it won just 69 games, the club has “parted ways” with general manager Dave Stewart and manager Chip Hale.OFFICIAL: The #Dbacks have parted ways with Sr. Vice President & GM Dave Stewart and Manager Chip Hale.— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 3, 2016
The moves don’t come as a huge surprise after the D-backs failed to capitalize after going all-in during the offseason. After finishing 79-83 in 2015, Stewart decided to turn the Diamondbacks into contenders for 2016.
The first move was a blockbuster, as Stewart signed pitcher Zack Greinke to a $206.5 million deal. He followed that up by dealing star prospect Dansby Swanson, among others, to the Atlanta Braves for Shelby Miller.
With those two at the top of the rotation, the D-backs were expected to challenge for the National League West crown. That didn’t happen. The 32-year-old Greinke took a step back in his first season with the team, posting a 4.37 ERA. Miller was a disaster immediately, posting a 6.15 ERA over 20 starts and spending a good chunk of the season in the minors. The Swanson deal was panned by many immediately, and the fact that Swanson reached the majors and looks like a rising start didn’t help Stewart’s case.
Those expectations played into Hale’s firing. With hindsight, it’s clear the D-backs weren’t ready to contend in 2016. But they came into the year with tremendous expectations and then failed to deliver. When that happens, managers get fired. Over two seasons with the team, Hale compiled a 148-176 record.
Curiously, the team has yet to make a decision on Chief Baseball Officer Tony La Russa. Owner Ken Kendrick said the club was still discussing his fate. Kendrick is expected to meet with the media Monday to discuss the moves and possibly shed light on La Russa’s situation.
No comments:
Post a Comment