Los Angeles Angels Name Billy Eppler As New General Manager

After a rather quick interviewing and selection process, the Los Angeles Angels finally have their new GM.

His name is Billy Eppler, former Assistant GM to Yankees GM Brian Cashman. Eppler, 40, will succeed both former GM Jerry Dipoto, who resigned on July 1, and interim GM Bill Stoneman.

The announcement was made Monday after the Angels were eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday in a 9-2 loss to the Texas Rangers.

The Angels’ front office was waiting on the announcement until after a possible Wild Card game against the Yankees, or after they were eliminated.

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Since the latter was the outcome, we now know who the Angels new GM will be sooner than later.

Eppler has a good reputation around Major League Baseball.

The former scout has received much praise for his balance between scouting and administrative/player development, and the one thing that seemed to be lacking from the Angels’ GM seat: leadership.

Cashman even once described Eppler as an executive who ‘checks all the boxes’.

As a first time GM, Eppler will have to feel his way into his position.

However, the big job requirement that the new Halos executive will have to bring with him is an ability to work with manager Mike Scioscia.

Apparent clashes between Dipoto and Scioscia went on for a few years, with their differences being settled at times.

And other times, they were at a complete impasse regarding baseball philosophies.

Owner Arte Moreno forced Scioscia and Dipoto to work it out several times.

But the situation escalated in late June when, after taking player development and the aggressive philosophy out of the hands of the coaching staff and team, Dipoto tried to take scouting reports away from the coaching staff.

This power struggle started with Dipoto seizing power, but when Scioscia and his staff tried to take it back, Dipoto jumped ship.

This is what Billy Eppler be entering into. It’s not catastrophic, as the club seemed to have returned to their old aggressive approach and were a fun ball club to watch again. Eppler will just have co-exist with Scioscia. And that’s not a bad thing.

Because Scioscia’s philosophy has proven to work for the Angels. The Kansas City Royals are built just like those Angels teams that made the playoffs year-after-year. And we’re in a pitching dominant era that is tailor-made for Mike Scioscia baseball.

So will Billy Eppler will try to implement his own philosophy, as Dipoto attempted to do? Or, will he allow Mike Scioscia to bring back his philosophy of aggressive baseball that was taken out of his hands by Dipoto?

Still wondering about Scioscia’s mythical power?

Bottom Line: LA needed change and they got it.

Eppler signed a four-year contract and will have the ability to oversee all baseball operations; and will report directly to owner Arte Moreno.

We’ll know exactly what kind of GM Billy Eppler will be from the kinds of moves he makes this off-season.

But many signs point to Eppler being a GM that has the Angels in good hands.