The Boston Red Sox have named Mike Hazen as their new senior vice president and general manager, promoting him from his previous role as assistant GM.
Recently hired President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski released a statement on the choice of Hazen as GM:
"“Over his 10 years with the Red Sox, Mike has proven to be an invaluable member of the baseball operations department. We are thrilled to have him in this position and I’m excited to have him working with me on every aspect of baseball operations.”"
Previous rumors tabbed veteran executive Frank Wren as a possible target for the job, but Boston ultimately decided to stick with an internal option in filling its general manager post. The position was vacated by Ben Cherington after Dombrowski’s arrival last month.
The 39-year-old Hazen has extensive experience in numerous areas of the team and previously helped oversee the organization’s farm system and amateur scouting department. The Red Sox may like the idea of combining his established knowledge of the franchise with Dombrowski’s team-building vision, a point hinted at by Executive VP/COO Sam Kennedy:
"“Mike’s leadership, work ethic, and passion for the game are second to none. His experience, combined with his local roots, make him the perfect choice to work alongside Dave as we head into 2016.”"
Detractors may note that the Sox made a similar move last time they needed a GM, promoting Cherington after Theo Epstein bolted for the Cubs in 2011. Though the team captured a World Series title early in Cherington’s tenure, recent seasons have been far less kind, culminating in his departure.
However, Boston certainly did not bring in Dave Dombrowski to sit on the sidelines and he will presumably maintain the final say on all baseball decisions. With Hazen now in place, the organization will shortly get to work trying to improve on this year’s disappointing performance.