Congratulations, De Jon Watson!
On the odd chance you've been polishing your resume in hopes of landing the gig as Director of Player Development for the Dodgers, stop. You blew your opportunity. The Blue have hired Cali native De Jon Watson, formerly director of scouting for the Indians. I'd be lying if I said I knew much about him (OK, anything), but given the solid young players Cleveland has produced recently, this might be a good thing.
Click below for the press release, courtesy of the Dodgers.
—BK
DODGERS NAME WATSON
DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that they have named De Jon Watson as Director of Player Development, according to General Manager Ned Colletti.
“As a California native, former player, and professional scout De Jon’s breadth of experience will add to the organization’s strength in developing talented players,” said Colletti. “He is strong on the fundamentals of the game and his ability to evaluate talent has led to a record of solid big league drafts and he will be a valuable addition to our team.”
Watson joins the Dodgers from the Cleveland Indians, where he was the Director of Professional Scouting for the past three seasons, working directly with General Manager Mark Shapiro on building the Major League roster through trades and free agent acquisitions.
Prior to joining the Indians, the Baldwin Hills, CA native served as the Reds’ Scouting Director from 1998-00, where more than 25 of his draft choices reached a Major League 40-man roster, including future big leaguers Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns. He moved to the professional scouting side with the Reds in 2001 and 2002.
“I am really excited about coming home,” said Watson. “Growing up in Los Angeles and knowing the history of one of the most storied franchises in all of sports, I’m truly looking forward to the chance to contribute and help the progression of the Dodger organization.”
Watson, 40, first began working in baseball in 1991 with the Florida Marlins following a five-year playing career in the Royals’ organization. He started as an area scout in Los Angeles and was a member of Florida’s front office when the club won its first World Championship in 1997.
A graduate of Santa MonicaHigh School, Watson was as an outfielder/first baseman at West Los Angeles Community College, where he played for current Dodger scout Artie Harris and was a third-round draft choice of the Royals.
He and his wife, Joal, reside in Ahwatukee, Arizona with their daughter, Mia and son, Michael.
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LOL! Not that is some hard-up Dodgers news.
Anyway...I hope the Cardinals win the series. I'm an Albert Pujols and Jeff Weaver fan.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 24, 2006 at 09:17 PM
Mr. Watson
Congratulations .. On your appointment I dont personally Know but look forward to meet you .
Luchy Guerra has my info we have One thing in commong we are both x-minor league players .
Very interested in joing your Coaching Staff in any capacity you may see to fit me In .
Sincerely , Ren Felson
Posted by: Ren Felson | November 01, 2006 at 06:39 AM