Billy Ryan Named Assistant GM for Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to retool their front office with the hiring of Billy Ryan as an assistant general manager to Kevin Towers (pictured). This hiring should mark the final piece to the baseball operations staff, besides a few minor shuffles within the organization.

The hiring of Ryan is a rather interesting choice. Previous to joining the Diamondbacks, he worked in the baseball commissioner’s office as the senior coordinator of salary and contract administration. He worked with all 30 Major League Baseball franchises to understand the nuances of the Basic Agreement with the player’s union, as well as work with the clubs on player contractual issues.

This hiring will give the Diamondbacks a great resource when working with players and their agents. It will also pay dividends as Arizona’s young core of players reach arbitration age and go through that process.

Besides managing contract issues, Ryan is also expected to work closely with the scouting department in defining bonus recommendations surrounding the First-Year Player Draft each June.

Given the complexities of contracts, having a dedicated person who understands the nuances should help the Diamondbacks maintain a strong stance. Ryan will also bring with him a solid network of people to whom he can reach out during negotiations, especially regarding the amateur draft.

Ryan is taking the organizational place of Peter Woodfork, who left the Diamondbacks in October by mutual agreement. Woodfork was former GM Josh Byrnes's right-hand man, and has been a hot commodity in baseball circles based on his statistical background.