Josh Byrnes and Derrick Hall: D-Backs 4 Life

by Jim McLennan on Feb 21, 2008 1:17 PM EST in Diamondbacks News

From the Republic: "Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes and President Derrick Hall are being rewarded with contract extensions, each receiving an eight-year deal that will run through 2015." Wow. I'm thinking this is pretty much unprecedented. I can't think of any other GMs, in particular, who have been locked in by their teams for so long. But I'm glad to hear it; there were rumblings a couple of months ago that Byrnes had been approached by another team [no-one's saying which franchise, but the Cardinals seem a possible guess]. He's done such a brilliant job in his time here, that losing him would likely be akin to losing Webb.

Good to see Derrick Hall will be sticking around too, and committing long-term to the future. He has proven to be very approachable and 'out there', along with the fans in the trenches. Most regular attendees have seen him, or have a story of meeting him; mine is when he showed up, unannounced, at a DBBP get-together before a game, and just hung out with us for a bit. Can't really imagine Garigiola or Colangelo doing that. Kinda smart too, to keep on the right side of the die-hards who bleed Sedona Red. :-)

Tweet Comment 8 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Yes, virtually unique

According to Buster Olney, "the only employee in baseball who has more job security than Byrnes is Alex Rodriguez." The official pronouncement from the D-backs, Byrnes has also been promoted to Executive Vice-President.

by Jim McLennan on Feb 21, 2008 3:50 PM EST reply actions

Executive Vice President?

Is different from Vice President in which way?

All the best Brits support the Diamondbacks!

by AZDarkKnight on Feb 21, 2008 11:49 PM EST reply actions

I guess...

It's the same thing as the difference between being an transvestite and an executive tranvestite. :-)

by Jim McLennan on Feb 22, 2008 12:14 AM EST up reply actions

Should I ask?

Are you the expert in BOTH these areas??? Good job on Rangers getting through tonight by the way :p

All the best Brits support the Diamondbacks!

by AZDarkKnight on Feb 22, 2008 12:44 AM EST up reply actions

Just a fan of Mr. Izzard

But, hey, large chunks of British comedy are based around men wearing women's clothes: Monty Python, Benny Hill, League of Gentlemen... :-) Footie-wise, was more surprised by Bolton holding off Athletico Madrid to be honest. Or maybe things have changed a bit in Euro soccer since I left!

by Jim McLennan on Feb 22, 2008 12:52 AM EST up reply actions

Some more info

East Valley Tribune

Byrnes, hired in November, 2005, has as much security as any general manager in the game. Florida's Larry Beinfest signed an extension last September that also will take him through 2015. Oakland's Billy Beane signed an extension last July that will take him through 2014. The D-Backs did not announce financial terms of Byrnes' extension, but it is believed to be similar to Beane, who earns about $1 million a year.

"Pure economics will never allow us to be the best-paying club, but we certainly believe that Josh and Derrick deserve to be paid in a significant way," Moorad said. "These contracts give them a significant amount of security that we believe they deserved."

by Jim McLennan on Feb 22, 2008 12:21 AM EST reply actions