The Los Angeles Angels are beginning to intensify their search for a general manager, as they hope to have a new executive in place by next week. Damon Oppenheimer, the head of amateur scouting for the New York Yankees, is no longer a candidate for the Angels, reported Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated on Wednesday. But fellow Yankees' executive Billy Eppler will return for a second interview with the Halos.
In addition, former Los Angeles Dodgers GM Dan Evans will interview this week with the Angels, per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. Evans was with the Dodgers from 2001 to 2004, and along with Logan White helped them build up their minor league system with a pair of productive drafts in 2002 and 2003 when the Dodgers selected and signed 15 future major league players.
White worked with fellow Angels GM candidate Kim Ng while with the Dodgers. Evans was let go in 2004 after Frank McCourt purchased the Dodgers and was replaced by Paul DePodesta. On his Google profile, Evans noted his strengths:
My unique perspective is a distinct advantage, as I am the only former General Manager of a Major League club who has also led a baseball representation firm.
I am fully immersed and up to date in all aspects of the game: Major League, minor league, international, and amateur level baseball
DGiovanna also reported that the Angels are expected to ask permission to interview Texas Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine once the World Series is completed.
For more on the Angels and their GM search, head to Halos Heaven.