For the second time in as many years, the Arizona Diamondbacks have fired their manager, as A.J. Hinch was let go after just 212 games on the job. This year, however, Arizona really cleaned house, firing GM Josh Byrnes as well, even though he was under contract through 2015.
↵This is relevant to the Dodgers because when they begin their series in Phoenix Friday night, they will see a familiar face in the opposing dugout. Kirk Gibson, who authored the most famous home run in Dodgers history, has been named the interim manager. The Dodgers have seen Gibson in Sedona red before, as he has been the Diamondbacks bench coach since 2007, but this is his first stint as manager.
↵I wonder if any Diamondbacks player will attempt to put eye black inside the brim of Gibson’s cap, as Jesse Orosco famously did in spring training in 1988, Gibson’s first year with the Dodgers.
↵This is the third straight National League West managerial firing that the Dodgers have been in the thick of, since the beginning of the 2009 season. Last year, Arizona fired Bob Melvin two games after losing both games of a short series in Los Angeles. The Rockies fired Clint Hurdle last May after the Dodgers swept them in Colorado.
↵For further information on the Phoenix Razing, visit AZ Snakepit.