It was reported on Wednesday that Los Angeles Dodgers' general manager Ned Colletti could be on the hot seat after the team's early exit from the playoffs. If that's the case, it looks like they may have his replacement in line.
Tampa Bay Rays executive vice president and general manager Andrew Friedman is reportedly the Dodgers' top target, according to Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times. Ownership is upset with the results of the 2014 season after having a record $240 million payroll, which Colletti oversaw and used to construct the current roster.
But the team's payroll is expected to drop from anywhere between $185-$190 million in 2015 as ownership plans ahead and expects financial losses from their television contract with Time Warner Cable. As a result, Friedman has emerged as a candidate because he's been with the small market Tampa Bay Rays franchise and has constructed successful teams with payrolls between $40 million and $77 million. Los Angeles is looking for someone with experience in making the most out of the least (even though their payroll will still be atop the MLB).
Friedman has been the executive VP and GM of the Rays since 2005, and since then the team clinched four playoff berths, including one World Series appearance in 2008, which was the first time the franchise made the postseason. It's unknown if Friedman would be interested, as he's turned down opportunities with the Angels and Astros in recent years.
If Friedman or another general manager were to come in and replace Colletti, it's possible that manager Don Mattingly goes as well. But as of right now, Mattingly told reporters he "assumes" he will be back with the team next season, according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. It's been rumored that ownership was planning to keep Mattingly, but if a new GM wants a different manager, they'll likely have to succumb to his demands if they really want Colletti gone.
It's really unfortunate for Colletti and Mattingly, especially if things don't go as planned for them. The Dodgers won the NL west and finished 94-68, but were eliminated in the NLDS by the St. Louis Cardinals after left-handed ace Clayton Kershaw lost two games in a span of four days after losing only three throughout the 2014 season. The Dodgers' offense also couldn't get rolling, which greatly affected their performance.
Colletti has been with Los Angeles for nine season and Mattingly four, but their tenures could be coming to an end relatively soon.
