Arizona Diamondbacks rumors: Kirk Gibson likely to return as manager?

The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a season to forget in 2014, once again falling short of the lofty aspirations that they had set for themselves.

More from Arizona Diamondbacks

• MLB Rumors: Grading new trade fits for Shohei Ohtani, Braves, Willson Contreras
• MLB Rumors: Shocking Shohei Ohtani suitor would be Dodgers, Giants nightmare
• MLB Rumors: 3 ideal trade suitors for Pirates closer David Bednar
• NY Mets: 4 monstrous trade packages for Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer
• MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras trade suitor, Reds surprise move, Giolito war

Under the watch of new team president Tony La Russa, those shortcomings cost general manager Kevin Towers his job. Given the links between Towers and current manager Kirk Gibson, one might have reasonably assumed that Gibson was on his way out as well. That might not be the case, however.

Jon Heyman of CBS reports that Gibson and La Russa have built up some rapport while working together so far and that there is a chance the manager keeps his job.

"While it is said by D-Backs people that La Russa and ex-GM Kevin Towers “got long great” and ultimately worked together well …they don’t dispute the perception that Gibson worked harder to get closer to La Russa, especially in the very beginning. That probably shouldn’t be a surprise since La Russa’s hiring represented a real change in the veteran GM Towers’ job description since it added an extra layer to the front office above him. Naturally, it was perhaps easier for Gibson to view the La Russa hiring as only a positive, as he could see him solely as a sounding board and useful resource……It may have been a good sign for Gibson, though, when no action was taken regarding him at the time Towers was removed as GM."

In five seasons as the Diamondbacks’ manager, Gibson has accumulated a 349-367 record overall.  His teams had gone 81-81 the past two seasons before a disastrous 2014 in which Arizona is currently 59-88.

Stay tuned to FanSided for all of the latest news, rumors, and analysis for Major League Baseball as the season races towards the postseason and the hot stove this off-season.