ANAHEIM - Following the news of general manager, Jerry Dipoto, resigning from his position with the Los Angeles Angels, the Halos went to an old friend to help for the rest of the season. Former Angels GM, Bill Stoneman, has been announced as the interim GM for the Angels, effective immediately.
Stoneman, 71, enjoyed a seven-year playing career, which included two no-hitters. Stoneman became the ninth general manager in Angels franchise history on October 1, 1999. After eight years piecing together rosters for the Halos, Stoneman stepped down as GM on October 16, 2007, opening the door for Tony Reagins and four years later, Dipoto.
Under the watch of Stoneman, the Angels held a 705-593 (.542) regular season record, four playoff appearances, three division titles, and a World Series Title in 2002. Stoneman also hired current manager, Mike Scioscia, in 2000. Scioscia stands as the current longest-tenured manager with one team in Major League Baseball.
Despite criticism for lack of movement during the trade deadline and in season, Stoneman may be notoriously known for a 35-day span, where he signed Bartolo Colon (December 10, 2003) and Vladimir Guerrero (January 14, 2004). Guerrero would go on to win the American League Most Valuable Player that season, and Colon would win the American League Cy Young Award the following season.
Stoneman stepped down from his position do to personal matters in 2007. In an interview with ESPN in 2007, Stoneman noted that he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Diane, instead of his “mistress,” that took most of his time (the demands of baseball). Stoneman has been the team’s senior adviser since his departure as general manager.
Matt Klentak, who currently serves as the Assistant General Manager to the Angels, was a viable option for Dipoto’s vacant position. He has been tied to the General Manager position open with the Philadelphia Phillies.