We learned earlier today that Yankees assistant GM Billy Eppler is the favorite for the Angels GM job via Joel Sherman of the New York Post. However, there is “a lot of internal support” for Angels director of pro scouting Hal Morris, reports ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick (tweet 1, 2). Crasnick mentions that owner Arte Moreno could opt to stay in house with a promotion in which case Morris may be the best candidate. I presume assistant GM Matt Klentak may also be an internal candidate, although he is widely connected to the Phillies.
In 2012, Morris was signed to his current position with the Angels. He began scouting in 2008 and played 13 seasons from 1988 to 2000 – mostly with the Reds. At the time Morris was hired, former GM Jerry Dipoto praised Morris’ “abilities in the areas of player evaluation and qualitative analysis.”
As for Eppler, he has been connected with several GM openings dating back to the Padres search last summer. He’s also interviewed with the Mariners and has been mentioned in connection to the Phillies.
