Chip Hale Hired as Diamondbacks Manager: Latest Details and Reaction

After a disastrous season and a steady decline since 2011, the Arizona Diamondbacks fired manager Kirk Gibson a week before the 2014 MLB campaign even came to a close. Just a few weeks later, the team has now found his replacement, hiring Chip Hale.    

The Diamondbacks made things official via Twitter:

The Diamondbacks and MLB.com's Steve Gilbert had more from Hale:

Bob Nightengale of USA Today was the first to report the news Monday.

Nightengale had more on Hale's coaching background as well:

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports had more on the contract details:

FOX Sports' Jack Magruder had more on the contract:

Former player Matt Diaz had nothing but praise for Hale, according to MLB Network Radio on Twitter:

According to Nightengale, the team interviewed 11 candidates for the open position, including former manager Jim Tracy and former player Sandy Alomar Jr.

To say that the Diamondbacks regressed this season under Gibson would be an understatement of monumental proportions. After winning the National League West in 2011 and finishing 81-81 the next two seasons, the Diamondbacks finished 64-98 this year, the worst record in baseball. 

Injuries certainly derailed the Diamondbacks. A broken hand sidelined star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in August, while Mark Trumbo missed two months during the year due to a stress fracture in his left foot. Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin missed the entire season, meanwhile, after requiring Tommy John surgery. 

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Hale certainly won't be inheriting a team devoid of talent, even if he is taking control of a squad desperate for a fresh start. His familiarity with the organization should help him hit the ground running. 

The Diamondbacks may not be returning to the postseason in 2015, but Hale should also have the tools in place to dramatically improve upon last year's dreadful record. With a bit more luck in the health department and a few additions in the offseason, the Diamondbacks should be far more competitive under Hale this coming season.