The Diamondbacks have fired manager A.J. Hinch and GM Josh Byrnes. The team is on the hook for more than $7MM for the two.

Hinch was hired last May, replacing Bob Melvin. He was 89-123 in that year plus. At the time of the hiring, many questioned the choice; Hinch had little coaching experience and people in the organization were upset that some of the more logical choices weren’t even considered.

Byrnes was the surprising part of this. He’s been fighting for Hinch’s job for the last few weeks. Apparently, Byrnes was fired because he refused upper managements demand to fire Hinch. While a year is a short time for a manager, Byrnes really should have let him go.

Byrnes was hired in 2005 and received an 8 year extension after the 2007 season; the extension included a small ownership right to the team. Byrnes should be picked up quickly by another team to consult.

Team VP Jerry DiPoto will be the interim GM; there is already speculation that the team will check with Dodger Assistant GM Logan White and former Padre GM Kevin Towers. Kirk Gibson will handle the managing duties; no word if it’s permanent or temporary.

There should still be a lot of activity in Arizona, as the Diamondbacks will be looking to shed some payroll. Dan Haren is their most marketable player right now. They could also move Chris Snyder, Adam LaRoche, Kelly Johnson, and/or Chad Qualls.

Tags: A.J. Hinch, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baseball, fired, Jerry DiPoto, Josh Byrnes, Kirk Gibson