New Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has already gotten to work. According to team sources, Friedman contacted Josh Byrnes - the former general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres - about the Dodgers' GM opening.
Byrnes was recently fired from his post with the San Diego Padres. The team relieved him of his duties back in June, coincidentally, minutes before San Diego was about to open a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Byrnes spent just over two seasons with the Padres (2011-2014), but was faced with a tough rebuilding task in a small market. San Diego had opening day payrolls of $90 million (2014), $68 million (2013), $55 million (2012) and $45 million (2011) during Byrnes' tenure.
His unsuccessful time spent with San Diego resulted in four losing seasons and never better than a third-place finish in the NL West division. But before San Diego, Byrnes spent 2006-2010 with Arizona, helping the team to a division title and NLCS appearance in 2007. However, that was all the success he saw with the D-Backs, to go along with three losing seasons and an 82-80 campaign in 2008. In July of the 2010 season, manager A.J. Hinch and Byrnes were fired from their positions.
However, Friedman isn't being transparent about the whole hiring process for the general manager position, merely telling reporters he has "talked to a lot of people about a lot of things." But Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported Byrnes is seen as a leading candidate for the position due to his friendship with Friedman and their shared philosophies.
Others who are speculated to be linked to the job also include former Nationals executive Bryan Minniti, Yankees assistant general manager Billy Eppler and Red Sox assistant general manager Mike Hazen. But Byrnes has the most experience and is known for being active in the trade market, which is probably why Friedman is interested in his services. The Dodgers may use Brynes to move a number of undesirable contracts to make room for their talented prospects (outfielder Joc Pederson, middle infielder Alex Guerrero, shortstop Corey Seager and pitcher Julio Urias).
We'll be sure to keep an eye on Friedman and the Dodgers throughout the hiring process for the vacant GM position.
