Angels pick up GM Jerry Dipoto's option for 2015

As the Los Angeles Angels gear towards the playoffs, the club's architect, general manager Jerry Dipoto, has been rewarded. As reported by MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez, the Angels have picked up Dipoto's option for 2015, ensuring that he will be in charge of the club for at least one more season. The decision was apparently made around the All-Star break, though both sides kept things quiet.

After an eight-year big league career, and front office tenures with the Red Sox, Rockies, and Diamondbacks (for whom he served as an interim GM for in 2010), Dipoto was hired by the Angels to replace Tony Reagins following the 2011 season. Just a month after being hired, Dipoto made one of the most significant acquisitions in the history of baseball, signing Albert Pujols to a monster ten year deal, while also handing CJ Wilson a lucrative contract on the same day.

Despite some high-profiled additions, Dipoto's first couple years on the job didn't go too well. In 2012, the Angels won 89 games but still finished third in the AL West, failing to make the playoffs. The club was absolutely terrible last season, going 78-84, leading to suspicion that Dipoto was on the hot seat.

Of course, the Angels decided to keep Dipoto, and that move appears to have paid off, as the Angels are currently on top of baseball with a 84-55 record and five game lead in the AL West over the formerly invincible Oakland Athletics.

Dipoto has been quite active in his time with the Angels, both on the free agent and trade markets. Via trade, Dipoto has acquired Chris Iannetta, Zack Greinke, David Freese, Jason Vargas, Ernesto Frieri, Tyler Skaggs, Hector Santiago, and Huston Street among others. Meanwhile, his free agent signings have included Pujols, Wilson, Joe Smith, and Josh Hamilton

Under Dipoto, the Angels have gone a collective 251-212. The club also holds a 2016 option on Dipoto, though it has yet to be picked up.