Fired D-backs GM Dave Stewart to USA Today: ‘I’m kind of relieved’
Oct 3, 2016, 4:26 PM | Updated: Oct 4, 2016, 9:53 am
Arizona Diamondbacks General Manager Dave Stewart talks to the media during a press conference introducing new pitcher Zack Greinke, Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Former Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart told USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Monday, the day of his firing, that he’s “kind of relieved” to move on from his two-year tenure with the club.
Nightengale reports that Stewart didn’t sound malicious in the interview.
“They may think I’m going to blast people, but I’m not,’’ Stewart told Nightengale. “It is what it is. It’s that side of the business. To be honest with you, I’m kind of relieved.
“Quite frankly, I’ve got better things to do.’’
The general manager, who oversaw a team that went 148-176 over the last two seasons, also said he and Diamondbacks managing partner Ken Kendrick were like “oil and water.”
Stewart insisted he wasn’t mad and had “nothing bad to say” about the Diamondbacks owner. They are just different, the former general manager said.
Arizona finished 2016 with a 69-93 record, 10 games below their 2015 finish despite an overhaul of the pitching staff that was supposed to push a gritty team over the top.
The Diamondbacks also fired manager Chip Hale on Monday and were deliberating how to appoint chief baseball officer Tony La Russa, Stewart’s direct boss who led the front office with the general manager.
