The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced that executive vice-president and general manager Kevin Towers has been relieved of his duties. He has been offered another position within the organization and is "evaluating the opportunity," according to Nick Piecoro of azcentral.com.
Arizona Diamondbacks oust GM Kevin Towers
Towers, who had been superseded by Tony La Russa, has been offered another job in the organization.
Christian Petersen
Kevin Towers
The move had been rumored for months. Coming off of consecutive .500 seasons, the Diamondbacks began 2014 with a devastating 9-22 April. In mid-May, the team hired retired Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa as “Chief Baseball Officer.” Team CEO Derrick Hall said, “The entire organization is obviously frustrated with the results on the field and we are looking to improve.” This was widely, and as it turned out, correctly, viewed as a vote of no-confidence in Towers and manager Kirk Gibson.
Towers had previously been the general manager of the San Diego Padres from November, 1995 through October, 2009. He saw that organization reach the World series in 1998 and make two other postseason appearances during his tenure. He was hired as Diamondbacks GM in September, 2010, taking over for Jerry Dipoto, who had served as interim GM after the dismissal of Josh Byrnes.
Towers' moves included the trades of Justin Upton, Adam Eaton, Ian Kennedy, and Trevor Bauer, almost all of whom were demonized as they went out the door. The club saw little return on these deals and most were rampantly first-guessed in the media.
The interview process for a new general manager will begin this week, the club said.
See More:
