Alderson was the architect of the A's last World Series Champion team in '89GETTY IMAGES
The A's named former Mets GM Sandy Alderson Senior Advisor to Baseball Operations, and A's Exec VP/Baseball Operations Billy Beane said he was "excited to bring him back to Oakland," according to Martin Gallegos of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. Alderson served as A's GM from '83-97 and is known for "building the A’s last World Series championship team" in '89. Although Beane is "widely credited with starting the A’s 'Moneyball' movement, it’s actually Alderson who first championed using statistical analysis to exploit market inefficiencies." Things went "so well for the A’s back when Alderson called the shots" that the team "boasted the highest payroll" in MLB in '91. Alderson stepped down from his post with the Mets in June, citing a "recurrence of the cancer that was first diagnosed" in '15, but recently announced he is now cancer-free (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 1/30). Alderson said, “I’ve been around a long time, and I have a depth of experience. I’ve seen different organizations, different systems. Hopefully, that brings a broader perspective” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 1/30).
MOVING ON UP: The Mets promoted Senior VP/Baseball Operations & Assistant GM John Ricco to the newly created position of Senior VP & Senior Strategy Officer, in which he will "report directly" to COO Jeff Wilpon and be "involved in the team’s business and baseball operations departments." On Long Island, Tim Healey notes Ricco will "work on special business and finance projects, including significant construction projects the Mets are planning" for their Spring Training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida (NEWSDAY, 1/30). Ricco will continue to advise Mets Exec VP & GM Brodie Van Wagenen in "baseball matters, such as overseeing salary arbitration, budget and payroll" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/30).
COME ON BOARD: In Philadelphia, Matt Breen noted the Phillies hired former MLBer Jimmy Rollins as a special adviser, and he will "work on both the baseball and business sides of the organization." The Phillies said his duties will include “spring training coaching, meeting with sponsors and suite holders, fan engagement and community outreach” (PHILLY.com, 1/29). THE ATHLETIC's Ken Rosenthal cited sources as saying that the Nationals have hired former manager and GM Jack McKeon as a "senior advisor to GM Mike Rizzo." McKeon’s son, Kasey, currently serves as Nationals Dir of Player Procurement (TWITTER.com, 1/29).
