Newsmakers

Hired The Los Angeles Angels chose Arizona Diamondbacks executive Jerry Dipoto to be their new general manager, a person with knowledge of the hire told the Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Angels haven’t formally announced the hiring. The club will hold a news conference about its GM position today.

Retained The Detroit Tigers exercised their option to keep closer Jose Valverde under contract next season. Valverde signed a $14 million, two-year deal in 2010 with the club holding a $9 million option for 2012. Valverde led baseball with 49 saves this season.

Issued The death certificate for former Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis has been issued and his death has been determined to have been from heart failure. The certificate says Davis died at age 82 from an abnormal hearth rhythm, congestive heart failure and a heart muscle disease.

Continued A woman charged with killing a Middle Tennessee State University basketball player who was her roommate has been unable to reach a plea agreement with prosecutors and her trial has been continued to Jan. 31. Shanterrica Madden, 19, has said she acted in self-defense when she stabbed Tina Stewart to death during a fight on March 2. Madden is charged with first-degree murder.

Injured The Colorado Rapids of the MLS say midfielder Jamie Smith is expected to miss about six months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Died Former University of Alabama and New York Jets punter Greg Gantt, who may be best known for having two punts blocked in a 17-16 loss to Auburn in 1972, has died. Gantt died Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala., of complications from heart disease and diabetes. He was 59.

• Ricky Adams, a utility infielder on the Los Angeles Angels’ 1982 Western Division championship team, died Friday in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., after a long battle with cancer. He was 52.