La Russa leaving D-Backs
PHOENIX — Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa is leaving the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.
La Russa served as chief baseball officer from 2015 to 2016 and became chief baseball analyst when the new regime of general manager Mike Hazen and manager Torey Lovullo arrived last spring.
La Russa said in a statement that the job was “more demanding than I realized.” He said with the current leadership in place, the Diamondbacks can expect winning baseball for years to come.
Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said La Russa played a significant role in putting the franchise on the path to success.
Hazen said La Russa was of great value to him personally and he’s “very appreciative for all he has done here and the manner in which he handled the transition.”
—AP