Dipoto's career as a player was relatively unremarkable. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the third round of the 1989 MLB draft and made his debut in 1993. He pitched in 390 games over eight seasons, compiling a 27-24 record with a 4.05 ERA and 49 saves. He was never an All-Star or a closer, but he was a reliable middle reliever who could eat up innings.
After retiring from playing in 2000, Dipoto began his career as a scout with the Boston Red Sox. He quickly moved up the ranks and became the director of player personnel for the Colorado Rockies in 2005. In 2006, he was hired as the vice president of player personnel for the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he helped build a team that won the National League West in 2007.
In 2011, Dipoto was hired as the general manager of the Los Angeles Angels. He made several big moves during his tenure, including signing Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson to long-term contracts and trading for pitcher Zack Greinke. However, the Angels never made it past the American League Division Series during Dipoto's time as GM, and he resigned in 2015 amid reported conflicts with manager Mike Scioscia.
After leaving the Angels, Dipoto was hired as the general manager of the Seattle Mariners. He has been with the team since 2015 and has made several big trades and signings, including acquiring pitcher James Paxton and signing second baseman Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240 million contract. However, the Mariners have yet to make the playoffs under Dipoto's leadership, and he has been criticized for his aggressive approach to roster building.
Overall, Jerry Dipoto's baseball career has been defined by his work as a front office executive rather than as a player. He has been successful in building competitive teams, but he has yet to win a championship.
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