Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
It looks like the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will not be wanting for a portly, temperamental skipper next year.
In a conference call earlier this week, Halo manager Mike Scioscia confirmed that both he and GM Jerry Dipoto – with whom Scioscia had allegedly butted heads on multiple occasions — will return to run the show in Anaheim in 2014.
Related: Jerry Dipoto’s Last Chance Could Also be Mike Scioscia’s for Angels
The announcement has no doubt shocked many Angel fans who predicted that owner Arte Moreno would make drastic changes in management following one of the most disappointing seasons for Los Angeles in recent memory. It seemed Scioscia might not even be around long enough to witness the Halos’ crosstown rival advance to the NLDS before he would be unceremoniously dismissed, his 2002 World Series far in the rear view mirror.
But nope, the Angels will apparently run it back again next year, this time in the hopes that Josh Hamilton actually decides to hit for an entire season, Albert Pujols becomes Albert Pujols once again, fewer pitchers get hurt and Mike Trout keeps doing Mike Trout things.
In all fairness to Scioscia, the baseball gods did not exactly deal him a great hand this year, as countless injuries and slumps held the 2013 Halos far below their potential. Still, blaming Scioscia for the poor (did I say poor? I meant heinous) performances of Pujols and Hamilton and the many injuries is as absurd as crediting him for the transcendent brilliance of Trout. There’s only so much the big guy can do from his perch in the dugout.
In many ways, 2014 should be liberating for the Angels — they can’t possibly disappoint more than they did this year, so maybe they’ll learn to relax and just play. That, plus a healthy roster — look out, AL.
Tony Baker is a Los Angeles Angels writer for Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter at @tonloc_baker and on Google.
Related:
Mike Scioscia Not to Blame for Los Angeles Angels’ Difficulties
