UPDATE: The move has been confirmed by manager John Farrell.
"He's come in to review our system and our big league club," Farrell told Ian Browne of MLB.com. "I know it's an objective view to be brought in and give feedback and information to Ben, and he'll give his assessment and recommendations going forward."
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Jerry Dipoto resigned as general manager of the Los Angeles Angels earlier this year after rumors and reports determined there was much discord between the front office and coaching staff. One of the most respected MLB executives is no longer out of a job.
The Boston Red Sox have hired Dipoto on an "interim basis to help with offseason moves," according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, who said he was confirming a report from MLB journalist Peter Gammons. However, Gammons' Twitter account and website (GammonsDaily.com) mentioned nothing of the sort.
Others also confirmed the move and some cited Gammons as being the first to break the news.
ex-angels gm jerry dipoto is being hired by red sox on short-term basis. will assist w/ winter moves. @pgammo 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) August 12, 2015
Source: Dipoto's deal with #RedSox, as first reported by @pgammo, does not preclude him from pursuing a GM opening at any time.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 12, 2015
Jerry DiPoto was hired by Ben Cherington and is "a consultant for now" #RedSox
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) August 12, 2015
Whatever the case, this is an interesting move if the rumors are true. Previous speculation suggested the Red Sox were looking for another executive to oversee the organization's baseball operations alongside or above current general manager Ben Cherington. That came shortly after Dave Dombrowski was dismissed as CEO and general manager of the Detroit Tigers.
The Red Sox have been as disappointing as any club in the MLB after their offseason overhaul, which netted them Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez, Rusney Castillo, Rick Porcello, Wade Miley, Justin Masterson and others. After following up their 2013 World Series run with a 71-91 record, the Sox are just 50-63 this year and could be on their way to their third 90-loss campaign in the past four seasons.
Boston's offseason moves have not paid off - their pitching staff is still among the worst in the MLB (ranks 28th with a 4.49 ERA) and the costly signings of Sandoval (.254/.302/.378 with 32 runs scored, 9 home runs and 35 RBIs), Ramirez (.262/.302/.446 with 56 runs scored, 19 home runs and 53 RBIs) and Castillo (.268/.302/.358 with 15 runs scored, 2 home runs and 15 RBIs in 40 games) have not entirely paid off this year.
It's clear changes are coming in Boston. Team president Larry Lucchino is stepping down after 2015 and the Red Sox are looking for ways to improve their management and baseball operations team. Dipoto, who was attempting to provide more data-driven analysis in Los Angeles before his departure, will now join Boston's front office, which has been put into question over the past couple of seasons.
Perhaps the Red Sox will hire him on a full-time basis if his input is valued among others in the organization.
Stay tuned for updates on this development.
