Los Angeles Angels: Search for new GM continues

The Angels are still in the mix to land a new general manager to replace the recently fired Billy Eppler, but it appears that the search might be coming to an end in short order. According to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, the Angels have recently spoke with former Phillies figurehead Ruben Amaro Jr. which would provide a proven commodity to the Angels’ front office. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has also reported that the Angels have spoken to a variety of other names in their search for a replacement.

Of the list of names, Amaro Jr. is by far the most intriguing considering his extensive front office experience. Amaro Jr. also has ties to the Angels as he was drafted by the team in 1987. Amaro Jr. is now five years removed from being a general manager in Major League Baseball, but he definitely still possesses the expertise necessary to man a post of this caliber again. He was a key member of the front office that brought the 2008 World Series title to the Philadelphia Phillies despite not being the general manager at the time. There is no reason to believe Amaro Jr. cannot work the same magic with the Halos out in Anaheim.

Inside of the Ken Rosenthal report, he mentioned that the Angels have spoken to men by the names of Gene Watson, Scott Sharp, and JJ Picollo for the opening. All three men have long been key members of the Kansas City Royals’ front office and according to Rosenthal, Scott Sharp appears to be the preferred choice by Angels ownership at this juncture. Sharp has recently served as the Royals’ assistant general manager.

With the loss of Billy Eppler, the Angels can go in a variety of directions, but it appears clear that Arte Moreno and Co. prefer someone with extensive experience in their search.

In addition to all of the men named, the Angels have spoken to former Giants general manager Bobby Evans, current Brewers assistant general manager Matt Arnold, and recent Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill about the vacancy.