Amaro is Phils New GM

Ruben Amaro Jr. officially became general manager of the World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.  Amaro, who signed a three-year contract, just completed his 10th season as assistant Phillies GM and replaces the retiring Pat Gillick.

Amaro worked under former GM Ed Wade for seven seasons and the last three with Gillick. He was considered the front-runner for the job after Gillick said this would be his last season.

Amaro got the nod over Mike Arbuckle, another assistant GM who spent the last 15 years with the Phillies. Arbuckle, who led the team’s scouting efforts, will not be returning next year, team president Dave Montgomery said.