Never assume anything.
Especially in the world of sports where successes and failures can be perceived differently depending on who you ask.
This appears to be the case for embattled Arizona Diamondbacks’ manager Kirk Gibson who appears to be off the hot seat for at least one more season despite the Dbacks’ year-long struggle following the worst opening month of baseball in franchise history.
Hall-of-Fame manager Tony La Russa has had his finger on the pulse of the franchise since joining the front office back in May.
“I think Tony La Russa recognizes when you don’t have a roster that is built to win it is very difficult to win,” ESPN baseball insider Pedro Gomez explained to Sports360AZ.com’s Brad Cesmat during his weekly visit. “No matter how good a manager you might be, if you don’t have the talent you can’t win. I think Tony’s probably going to give Gibby a little slack for this year.”
Gomez pointed out a depleted rotation which struggled with injuries, underachieving starters and inexperience since Arizona’s disastrous 9-22 start which they’ve never recovered from as the season mercifully closes in on the final month of the regular season.
“We’ve talked about starting pitching being the key for any contender,” he said. “I think that bought Gibson another season if in fact he is back next year.”
Despite the rumors of Gibson and possibly general manager Kevin Towers’ return, nothing has been made official by the organization to this point. La Russa has been a big proponent of continuity within organizations during his time with the White Sox, A’s and Cardinals.
Eric Sorenson
