The Los Angeles Dodgers hired Tampa Bay Rays General Manager Andrew Friedman today, giving him the newly created position of president of baseball operations, while Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti will become senior adviser to team President/CEO Stan Kasten.
The announcement ended speculation about Colletti’s future with the team, which won the National League West but was knocked out of the playoffs by the St. Louis Cardinals two years in a row.
“Ned Colletti has played a major role in the success of the Los Angeles Dodgers over the last nine years and I’m thrilled that we are able to retain him as a special adviser to me,” Kasten said. “Ned’s knowledge and experience in the game covering 33 years will be a great asset to the club as we continue to add and build our player development system.”
Friedman, 37, became the Rays general manager in 2008 and led the small-market, low-budget franchise to two division titles and a 2008 American League pennant. The team made the playoffs four times during his tenure.
“Andrew Friedman is one of the youngest and brightest minds in the game today and we are very fortunate to have him join our organization,” Kasten said. “The success he has had over the past nine years in molding the Tampa Bay Rays has been incredible.”
Colletti had been the Dodgers’ general manager since 2005, making five post-season appearances, including four division titles.
