In a move that shouldn't really shock anybody, Derrick Hall and the Arizona Diamondbacks are set to announce the hiring of Kevin Towers as their new General Manager. He is receiving a two-year guaranteed deal, but there is no word yet for how much. He was thought to be asking for $2 million a year. Towers is currently a special assistant to New York Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman.
[Update] Official press release confirms this, including a quote from Derrick Hall:
"We considered this a critical hire for the organization at this important time. We are in a much better place today than we were three months ago because of the tremendous job performed by Jerry Dipoto, and now Kevin Towers comes in to continue climbing on this uphill path. Kevin is an experienced General Manager who brings years of success, roster construction, pitching knowledge, industry networking and talent evaluation to the table. He understands what it takes to build a winner and will work diligently to bring continuity to the staff and sustainability to the results."
Kevin Towers and Diamondbacks interim general manager Jerry DiPoto were always the front-runner candidates for the position. The Diamondbacks also interviewed Dodgers and Angels executives and had their eyes on several Yankees scouts as well. DiPoto has received praise throughout the baseball industry for the job he has done over the past two and a half months, including making several big moves at the non-waiver trade deadline.
Kevin Towers was the general manager of the San Diego Padres for 14 years before being fired last fall. He is largely credited with assembling the current team of Padres who had led the NL West for most of this season. Towers previously interviewed for the GM position in Arizona in 2004 but did not get the job. The Diamondbacks fired General Manager Josh Byrnes and Manager A.J. Hinch on July 1st. Josh Byrnes signed an 8-year extension in 2008 and will continue to be paid through 2015. Hinch signed a 4-year deal last May and will be paid through 2012.
Derrick Hall had said he would announce a new GM during this last home stand. Watch this space for more information after the Diamondbacks' press conference tomorrow.