Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson ‘highly motivated’ to return, turn things around
Sep 24, 2014, 12:17 AM | Updated: 12:18 am
According to reports, the Arizona Diamondbacks are likely to have a new general manager in place by the end of the week.
A decision on the fate of manager Kirk Gibson, however, may take a little longer.
Gibson is wrapping up his fifth season as the team’s leader — and fourth full campaign — with the team heading for its worst record during his tenure. At 63-94, the team’s .401 winning percentage is lower than the .410 mark produced in the 83 games he managed on an interim basis in 2010.
All season long there has been speculation about whether or not he would be back next season, and it would stand to reason the new GM will have a considerable amount of say in that decision.
So as of now, all is quiet on that front.
“Actually, my wife sent me a song, ‘The Waiting’ by Tom Petty, just listen to that and you’ll have a good understanding,” he told Burns and Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Tuesday when asked about what his situation is like.
Though it’s all part of the job description, dealing with the constant rumors and speculation cannot be an easy thing for Gibson. However, the 2011 Manager of the Year said his attitude has remained the same throughout the entire season, as he’s stayed positive and focused on trying to win games.
“I’ve given everything I’ve got; so have the players,” he said. “They haven’t quit, contrary to what someone said. They’ve been great about it.”
The D-backs snapped a six-game losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Minnesota Twins Monday night. But they are 6-14 over their last 20 games, and are very much limping toward the finish line. Even while the team has struggled, Gibson said the mindset has never wavered.
