It is "all speculation for now but the word is spreading in baseball circles" that Rockies Exec VP, Chief Baseball Officer & GM Dan O’Dowd "might consider leaving the Rockies for a front-office position" with the Braves if interim GM John Hart takes over full-time, according to Patrick Saunders of the DENVER POST. O’Dowd "worked under" Hart with the Indians before coming to the Rockies (DENVERPOST.com, 9/24). In Atlanta, Jeff Schultz noted there are "three scenarios" for the Braves' GM position being "debated most publicly." Braves President John Schuerholz "talks Hart into taking the job, if not indefinitely then at least for a brief period -- one to two years? -- while grooming" Braves Assistant GM John Coppolella for the position. Secondly, the club could "lure" Royals GM and former Assistant GM Dayton Moore "back to Atlanta." A "case could be made that they need a shakeup, or at least some outside-the-box thinking." Schultz: "This isn’t meant as a criticism of Hart, Coppolella or Moore. But would the Braves be better off hiring somebody with a fresh perspective?" (AJC.com, 9/24).
SOMETHING TO STEW ON: In Phoenix, Nick Piecoro reports the D-Backs’ hunt for a new GM “appears to be drawing to a conclusion, with all signs continuing to point toward” former MLBer Dave Stewart being named the successor to Kevin Towers. The hiring of Stewart "would qualify as an unconventional selection." The team could finalize the move this morning in “an announcement that is also expected to include the hiring” of Dodgers VP/Player Personnel De Jon Watson (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 9/25). Stewart last night would “not confirm nor deny reports” that he had been offered the job, but said that he has “genuine interest.” Stewart currently represents several MLB players and is “transferring his agency” to partner and former MLBer Dave Henderson (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/25).
OFF THE DISABLED LIST: In Minneapolis, Phil Miller noted Twins GM Terry Ryan said that he is "healthy again" eight months removed from the diagnosis of squamous-cell cancer, surgery to remove his lymph nodes and weeks of radiation treatment. He "sounded determined to stick around and treat what ails the Twins." Ryan: “I’m feeling pretty good. I’m doing quite well, actually” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/24).
A SIGN OF STABILITY: In Miami, Clark Spencer reports for the "first time in four years, the Marlins aren’t planning to hand pink slips to any of their top positions." Manager Mike Redmond’s "job is safe," and so is President of Baseball Operations Mike Hill and GM Dan Jennings (MIAMI HERALD, 9/25).
