Dodgers News: Former LA exec Zaidi given the boot in San Francisco; Posey to take over

Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi of the Dodgers field tough questions from the media about the departure of Don Mattingly in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Jon SooHoo of the L.A. Dodgers)

LOS ANGELES, CA — In a stunning move, the San Francisco Giants have fired Farhan Zaidi as president of baseball operations, replacing him with former Giants star catcher Buster Posey. While Zaidi led the team to a 107-win season in 2021, the team struggled to maintain that level, failing to reach the playoffs in the subsequent years. Zaidi’s tenure in San Francisco marked a departure from the team’s traditional approach, emphasizing analytics and constant roster changes. Posey, a franchise icon with no executive experience, takes over to revitalize the Giants.

For Dodgers fans, Zaidi’s departure from the Giants might come as a bit of a surprise, not that he’s been fired but that he couldn’t recreate the LA magic in Northern California. Before heading to San Francisco in 2019, Zaidi was a key figure in the Dodgers’ front office, serving as the team’s general manager from 2014 to 2018. His contributions to the Dodgers included building a foundation of strong scouting, player development, and roster management. During his time in Los Angeles, the Dodgers emerged as perennial contenders, reaching the postseason every year under his leadership.

Zaidi’s background in analytics was crucial in modernizing the Dodgers’ approach to building competitive teams, and it paid off in their deep playoff runs. His work in Los Angeles set the stage for the team’s later success, including their 2020 World Series championship. However, his move to the Giants meant a shift in allegiances, and Dodger fans watched as he attempted to recreate that success in San Francisco.

For the Giants, Zaidi’s focus on platooning, roster turnover, and analytics brought mixed results. Though his vision led to that remarkable 2021 season, the team fell short against the Dodgers in the playoffs, and Zaidi never managed to consistently build a winning roster after the departures of franchise cornerstones like Posey and Brandon Belt.

Now, with Posey stepping in as the new president of baseball operations, Dodgers fans are curious to see how the shift in leadership will impact the Giants. Will Posey’s iconic status and fresh perspective revitalize the rivalry, or will his lack of executive experience leave the Giants floundering?

For Dodgers fans, this change is a significant development. Zaidi’s departure from San Francisco, combined with Posey’s new role, may signal a turning point in the rivalry. Posey, beloved in San Francisco but also respected by Dodgers fans for his accomplishments as a player, faces the tough challenge of trying to turn around a Giants team that has struggled in recent years. As Dodgers fans watch this shift unfold, many will likely recall Zaidi’s years in L.A. fondly and wonder if Posey can replicate any of that success in his new role.

Ultimately, Posey’s appointment may provide some breathing room for the Dodgers, who have remained dominant in the NL West. But as always, the Dodgers-Giants rivalry will remain fierce, and Posey’s new position will add an intriguing twist to the story.

As the dust settles on this stunning news, Dodgers fans can take solace in the stability of their own franchise and the legacy Zaidi helped build before his departure.

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Written by Steve Webb

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