D'backs in long-term deals with executives

PHOENIX, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks Thursday said the National League team had extended the contracts of President Derrick Hall and General Manager Josh Byrnes.

The team top executives are now under contract with the Diamondbacks through 2015. Also, Byrnes was made team executive vice president.

"Derrick and Josh are far and above some of the best and brightest executives in sports today," said Diamondbacks Chief Executive Officer Jeff Moorad. "They have both invigorated our ownership group and the entire front office by creating an identity for the Arizona Diamondbacks to be a competitive force throughout major league baseball."

Hall has been team president since September 2006, having joining the franchise in May 2005.

Byrne was made the team general manager in October 2005. He previously worked in the front offices of the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies and Cleveland Indians.

Arizona, despite having the fifth-lowest payroll in the National League, won the NL West last season with a league-best 90-72 record.