Extension in hand, Hale looks to build something special
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Chip Hale is under contract to manage the Diamondbacks through at least the 2017 season, though he knows it could end at any point.
It is unlikely Hale isn't around at least that long, but the second-year manager on Friday acknowledged the option on his contract that was picked up doesn't guarantee anything.
"We're excited about it but like anything else in baseball it's year to year," Hale said. "... If you had a 10-year contract, it wouldn't matter, it's a year-to-year thing."
Hale had a 79-83 record in his first season in 2015, a 15-win improvement on the team's previous season under Kirk Gibson.
"Chip had a great season, for a first year," Tony La Russa, chief baseball officer and Hall of Fame manager, said on Thursday. "I shouldn't say that. He had a great season.
"I don't mean to disrespect any other coaching staff and managers, because they're some really good ones, but there won't be a better one than ours."
Hale's original contract was for two years with club options for subsequent seasons. The team would only say it picked up the 2017 option. But that was good enough for Hale.
"I just love being a Diamondback," he said. "I grew up as a coach and feel very comfortable here.
"What we're building is special and it's not a one-year thing we're trying to do; we're trying to do this for a while."
