Oppenheimer in consideration for D-Backs’ GM job

If you went to bed early last night, you may not have heard that the Diamondbacks fired not only manager A.J. Hinch, but also GM Josh Byrnes as well. This was no small move; Byrnes was under contract until 2015 and he also had a small ownership stake in the team. Scouting and player personnel director Jerry DiPoto will take over GM duties on an interim basis, however Frankie Piliere says that Yankees’ amateur scouting director Damon Oppenheimer “will get serious consideration” for the job.

This shouldn’t be much of a surprise, Oppenheimer was recently named one of the best GM prospects in the game. Pro scouting director Billy Eppler received consideration for the Padres’ vacant GM position over the winter, so it’s good to see the front office talent get recognized for their skills around the league. That means they must be doing something right. I have no idea when Oppenheimer’s contract runs out, but I can’t imagine the Yanks would block him from such a big promotion if he were to get the job. Quite frankly, it would be a dick move if they did.

(As a side note: I’d love to see the Yanks hire Byrnes in a consulting role similar to what they did with Kevin Towers. The more input, the better.)