Getting Out Of Dodge: Derrick Hall Resigns Dodgers Post
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Hall The Latest Dodgers Exec To Bolt
Town Following McCourts’ Arrival |
Dodgers Senior VP/Communications Derrick Hall has "left the organization after 11 years because of philosophical differences" with Dodgers co-Owners Frank and Jamie McCourt, according to Jason Reid of the L.A. TIMES, who noted Hall becomes the "third high-ranking executive in less than a month" to leave the team after the McCourts took control. Team sources said that Hall "was concerned about the new owners' handling of many situations and apparently feared his credibility would be called into question." Dodgers President Bob Graziano and Exec VP/Business Operations Kris Rone "also resigned because of philosophical differences" with the McCourts (L.A. TIMES, 3/14). Hall: "It wasn't any one thing in particular. It was just a decision that my wife and I made. It's a good time for me to look and explore my options. I have let so many pass me by in the past because of my commitment to the Dodgers, and this just seemed like the right time" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 3/14). HOLDING McCOURT: Frank McCourt in a state "We're terribly disappointed Derrick decided to leave the organization, especially when we felt he could have potentially expanded his role with the team. He's a very talented executive and we're certain he'll find success wherever his future takes him" (L.A. TIMES, 3/15). McCourt indicated that he would not fill the role of team president with his wife. McCourt: "I certainly am prepared to fill that role myself, if need be, for a period of time." McCourt added the period would "more than likely" be brief. He also indicated that front-office employees "would not be secure in their positions until after he assessed the organizational structure." In L.A., Bill Shaikin noted that the Dodgers have "one of the largest front-office staffs" in MLB, and several baseball sources have indicated that McCourt is "likely to downsize" (L.A. TIMES, 3/13). TELL-TALE HEART: In L.A., Ross Newhan wrote Hall's resignation "is the most telling example yet of the instability, insensitivity and, what one remaining executive said, the incredible naivete with which [the McCourts] have infected the organization in a short time." Hall "put out fires, pointed reporters in accurate directions and, during a tumultuous era, provided the organization with a community face amid the faceless News Corp. regime and the Boston-based McCourt tenure so far." Newhan also noted Corey Busch, who headed the McCourt's transition team, and Duffy Jennings, their media contact, "had justifiable hopes of being rewarded with full-time roles when the McCourts took over, but both were dismissed — well, Busch was retained as an office-less consultant — almost as soon as the documents were signed" (L.A. TIMES, 3/14).
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