Often times when one door closes, another one opens. This sentiment rang true on July 1st for the Arizona Diamonbacks, and more specifically, new Interim General Manager Jerry DiPoto. When team Managing General Partner, Ken Kendrick, dismissed GM Josh Byrnes, he put in place a Jersey City product who had been itching for a chance to run a Major League club.

Jerry DiPoto was born in Jersey City, became a young stud in Toms River, and made his mark as an MLB relief pitcher. His playing career was cut short by a bulging disc in his neck in 2001, but he soon found an alternate career in the game. He has been with the Arizona organization as a VP, scouting director, and Major and Minor League personal evaluator since 2005. Prior to that he was a part of front offices in Colorado and Boston, including scouting during Boston’s 2004 World Series season. His name came up as a candidate during GM searches in several cities the past seasons, and was a finalist at jobs in Seattle and Washington.

Arizona has made no commitment on the duration of DiPoto’s tenure, but several baseball experts think he has a chance to have the interim tag removed. SI’s Jon Heyman reports that DiPoto is “well liked and will definitely be given a chance” and Shore Sports Network’s Joe Delgrippo likes the selection, referencing him as a “good baseball guy.”

He inherits a roster of young talent, yet one mired in a losing season. It is safe to assume that he won’t be able to ease into the job with the Diamondbacks entrenched as sellers in the upcoming trade market. The return on the veterans he trades away will go along way to determining how long this dream job will last.