Paul DePodesta is leaving his role as executive vice president of the Padres to join the Mets as vice president of player development and amateur scouting. DePodesta served as general manager of the Dodgers in 2004 and 2005. "Paul has one of the top analytical minds in the game and also has a strong background in the more traditional aspects of player development and amateur scouting," New York general manager Sandy Alderson said in a statement. "He will help establish direction, standards and continuity in all areas of our player development domestically and internationally. Paul -- working together with J.P. Ricciardi and [assistant GM] John Ricco -- also will advise me generally on other matters related to baseball operations."