Dodgers Hire Bob Engle as Vice President of International Scouting

The Dodgers continue to bolster their front office and add to their efforts to revamp the Dodgers’ influence in international scouting. Earlier today, Ned Colletti announced that they have hired Bob Engle as Vice President of International Scouting.

Engle has been working in Major League Baseball since 1974, and he formerly was Seattle’s Vice President of International Scouting since 2004.

Colletti had this to say about the new hire and the Dodgers’ renewed interest and investment in international scouting and player development:

"“Bob Engle and his knowledge of the international landscape is a great addition to our scouting team,” said Colletti. “Our new ownership’s directive is to strengthen the Dodgers’ scouting, both domestically and internationally. Developing future players through heightened scouting is paramount to the long-term success of the Dodgers’ organization.”"

Scouting and signing pitcher Felix Hernandez was one of Bob Engle’s greatest accomplishments during his time with Seattle. Photo: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

Engle’s resume includes time with the Orioles and the Blue Jays along with the Mariners. He was instrumental in the scouting and signing of Roy Halladay, Chris Carpenter, Pat Hentgen, and Felix Hernandez.

Engle informed the Seattle Mariners that he would not sign an extension when his contract expired October 31st. He was offered a new contract, but he declined. He said that he wanted to take the month of October to decide whether he would retire (he actually turned 66 today) or take another position with another ball club. When the Dodgers approached Engle is unknown, but Larry Stone of the Seattle Times seems to think, “The Mariners have lost one of the best scouts in the business.”

Seattle also fired Patrick Guerrero, the team’s Latin American coordinator. He is one of the top scouts in the Dominican Republic, and he was Engle’s right-hand man. Will Guerrero be joining Engle in his new role with the Dodgers? These are interesting personnel moves by the Mariners, and the Dodgers were quick to scoop up Engle.

Gerry Hunsicker, the new Senior Advisor, Baseball Operations will likely be working with Engle to rebuild the

The new Dodger ownership is trying to compile a strong front office and revamp international scouting. (Mark Walter & Stan Kasten shown). Photo: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Dodgers’ efforts in international scouting. It may take some time to reverse the neglect to the international market by the Dodgers thanks to Frank McCourt, but so far I’m pleased with the expert personnel the new owners are collecting.

Engle was voted the East Coast Scout of the Year in 2011. He is a  graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder. He currently resides in Tampa, Florida.