The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the market for a new general manager after firing Kevin Towers on Friday.
Towers had been the club's GM since September 2010. The Diamondbacks were 320-317 with one division title during his tenure.
It's the first major move for Tony La Russa, who joined the organization in May in a newly created position as chief baseball officer.
"Over the past three months, I have had the opportunity to evaluate all aspects of our baseball operations and have decided to restructure our staff in order to improve our decision-making process," said La Russa in a statement Friday. "I have the utmost respect for Kevin and a friendship with him that dates back many years which has allowed me to appreciate his talents and experience."
La Russa said Towers has been offered a different position within the organization and is considering the new opportunity.
The Diamondbacks won the NL West in 2011, Towers' first full season at the helm, but went 81-81 each of the next two seasons. This year's edition won't reach the .500 mark, entering play Friday with a mark of 59-81.
"We are extremely grateful for all that he has done for the D-backs during his four-plus years here, particularly given that he has always put the organization ahead of his own self-interests," La Russa added. "That tells you all you need to know about him as a person."
La Russa said the interview process for a new general manager will begin this week.
The status of Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson has also come into question, but the team's release indicated that any further baseball changes would be jointly decided by president and CEO Derrick Hall, La Russa and the new general manager.
[SportsNetwork.com]
