Gibson, Trammell fired as D-backs clean house

phoenix Just days from the end of an awful season, the Arizona Diamondbacks fired manager Kirk Gibson.

The firing was announced Friday, 15 minutes before a news conference to introduce new Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart.

“It was my trigger to pull,” chief baseball officer Tony La Russa said.

Bench coach Alan Trammell also was dismissed but will stay on to manage the final three games.

“We just decided that being fresh, starting fresh with not just the upstairs leadership team but downstairs, is more consistent with what we are doing as an organization,” La Russa said.

Gibson took over as interim manager in 2010 when A.J. Hinch was fired. In 2011, his first full season, he led the Diamondbacks to the NLWest title andwas named manager of the year. But his next two teamswent 81-81, and this year, with a squad riddled with injuries, the Diamondbacks are assured of at least a tie for the worst record in baseball.

“I am extremely appreciative for this opportunity, and I had a great experience with the Diamondbacks,” Gibson said in a statement.

La Russa called Trammell one of his favorite players and Gibson “one of the great competitors of our time.”

“So it is really not a reflection on them,” he said. “I know that sounds a little hollow, but I’m always sincere when I am serious. The situation was unfair enough that the losses piled up, but we are making a fresh start.”