Former Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta added to Mets’ front office

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Former Dodgers general manager Paul DePodesta has been hired as vice president of player development and scouting for the New York Mets.

He is the second high-profile hire by new Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson, joining former Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi, who was hired last week as a special assistant to the general manager.

‘Paul has one of the top analytical minds in the game and also has a strong background in more traditional aspects of player development and amateur scouting,’ Alderson said. ‘He will help establish direction, standards and continuity in all areas of our player development domestically and internationally.’

DePodesta was 31 when he became the Dodgers’ general manager in January 2004. Although the team flourished during his first season -- winning the National League West Division title, making its first postseason appearance since 1996 and winning its first playoff game since 1988, DePodesta made some unpopular moves during (trading catcher Paul Lo Duca) and after (trading outfielder Shawn Green, allowing third baseman Adrian Beltre to leave as a free agent) the 2004 season.

The Dodgers dropped to fourth in the NL West after finishing 71-91 in 2005, and DePodesta was fired soon after the end of the season.

He became special assistant for baseball operations for the San Diego Padres in July 2006, when Alderson was the team’s chief executive officer, and was named the Padres’ executive vice president in November 2008.

‘I am thrilled to reunite with Sandy,’ DePodesta said. ‘I know firsthand the type of vision and leadership he brings to a franchise. This is a tremendous opportunity to help develop a winning culture.’

-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report