49ers GM Trent Baalke yesterday said that it was "his idea to promote" Senior Personnel Exec Tom Gamble to Assistant GM, and he "knew the move would invite speculation about his job security," according to Eric Branch of the S.F. CHRONICLE. Baalke said, "I understood exactly what was going to happen. And that should show you even more that I don’t care. In all honesty, (Gamble is) deserving of the position.” Branch notes Gamble "has close ties to" new coach Chip Kelly. But Baalke said that Gamble, who returned to the 49ers last year, was in line to become the 49ers‘ Assistant GM "before his two-year stint with the Eagles" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 8/1). CSNBAYAREA.com's Matt Maiocco noted this season "might provide better clues about the future of Baalke with the organization." The 49ers are $49.4M "under the salary cap." But Baalke said that there is a "plan in place to spend the money in future years." Baalke: "We’re not going to just put it in the pocket. We’re going to spend the money. The money is going to get spent. And if you look at the way we try to do things. We’re not trying to just keep the money." Asked about how the organization and CEO Jed York feel about where the club is heading, Baalke said he feels "very good." Baalke: "I don’t know that he (York) would tell you any different, but I’m not going to speak for him" (CSNBAYAREA.com, 7/31).
