MLB Franchise Notes: Dodgers Assistant GM Watson Withdraws From O's GM Search

ESPN L.A.’s Tony Jackson cited a source as saying that Dodgers Assistant GM DeJon Watson on Thursday “withdrew from consideration for the GM vacancy” with the Orioles (ESPNLA.com, 11/3). ESPN.com’s Buster Olney wrote the Orioles “have a significant perception problem now, slowing down a team already viewed within the industry as one that is all horse-and-buggy in a wireless world.” New Angels GM Jerry Dipoto “essentially withdrew from consideration for the Orioles' GM job when he was their top choice.” Then, a “couple of days ago, Toronto Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava rejected the Orioles' offer to be their GM.” There are “other highly regarded assistant GMs who have not yet been interviewed by the Orioles who feel the same way, some telling friends that if Baltimore called, they would not be interested.” The concerns outsiders have about the Orioles is that Owner Peter Angelos “interferes in the day-to-day business," and that manager Buck Showalter is "too powerful for the next general manager to walk into the front office and have the kind of influence he needs” (ESPN.com, 11/3).

BAIT & HOOK: ESPN’s Jason Stark said of the available free agents in MLB, “The Marlins are a team trying to do something big for the sake of credibility and what gives a team more credibility than signing (free agent 1B) Albert Pujols. They’re also trying to position themselves as Latin America’s team, so Albert fits there.” Stark asked, “How about the Marlins with (free agent SS) Jose Reyes? Again, if they’re looking to make a splash, they’re looking to position themselves as Latin America’s team. (Marlins SS) Hanley Ramirez has already said he’d move to third base or somewhere else if they can sign Jose Reyes. I can see Jose fitting in that community” (“OTL,” ESPN, 11/3).

MOVIN' ON UP: Padres Vice Chair & CEO Jeff Moorad was asked about the team’s likely new TV deal with Fox and whether the increased revenues will translate into a higher payroll. Moorad: “The fans in San Diego certainly expect a higher investment next season and that’s what we’ve committed to. Our payroll will move up probably about 15%. We’ll spend somewhere in the mid 50’s next year with the idea we’ll continue growing the payroll” (“Sportfolio,” Bloomberg TV, 11/2).

STAYING PUT: D’Backs President & CEO Derrick Hall on Thursday said that GM Kevin Towers and manager Kirk Gibson “were rewarded with new contracts.” Hall said that he gave them “three-year contracts with club options for two more years, meaning they could be locked up through 2016.” Towers and Gibson “each entered the year on two-year contracts” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 11/4).

DOUBLING UP: In Boston, Matt Pepin noted a “second outdoor hockey doubleheader will be played at Fenway Park this winter as part of the Frozen Fenway 2012 event.” Boston College will face Northeastern on Jan. 14, and the game “will be preceded by a high school hockey matchup.” A Hockey East doubleheader featuring Vermont-UMass and New Hampshire-Maine “previously scheduled for Jan. 7 has sold out” (BOSTON.com, 11/3).