By Jordan Long
The Los Angeles Angels stand at 27-30, 2nd in the American League West Division. They are 9.5 games behind the Houston Astros for 1st place. Even though their season isn’t too far downhill, they decided to fire Manager Joe Maddon.
Maddon was hired as Angels’ Manager on October 16, 2019, agreeing to a 3-year contract. Maddon had managerial experience. He managed the Tampa Bay Rays from 2006 to 2014 and the Chicago Cubs from 2015 to 2019. In Tampa Bay, the Rays earned a playoff spot 4 times and advanced to the World Series in 2008. Unfortunately, they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in 5 games. With the Cubs, Maddon was able to take them to 4 straight postseasons, from 2016 to 2018, including ending the “curse of the billy goat” in 2016 when the Cubs beat the then Cleveland Indians in 7 games. Maddon was let go following an 84-78 finish in 2019.
The Los Angeles Angels were anticipating similar results. His first year with the Angels, 2020, was pretty much like a pass because it was the COVID shortened year. They finished 26-34. Last year, they ended at 77-85.
This season, there were expectations of making the postseason. The Los Angeles Angels last earned a playoff spot in 2014 but haven’t advanced to the World Series since 2002 when they won it. Early they looked good. The Los Angeles Angels started 27-17 which was on May 24th. After that, they lost 12 straight games. The Los Angeles Angels decided it was time to move on from Maddon.
According to ESPN.com, Angels’ General Manager Perry Minasian said, “It’s tough. Disappointed it’s come to this. I really like the man. It’s somebody I’m gonna talk to the rest of my life. Just the conversations daily. Who he is, what he’s about. You guys were around him — the energy he brings, how consistent he is on a daily basis. It’s tough. It’s tough. But you gotta be able to take emotion out of things and make decisions. I’ve taken the emotion out of it and taken a step back. Looking at where I’m at, as tough of a decision as it is, I felt like it was the right thing to do.”
The Angels announced Phil Nevin will take over as the Interim Manager. Nevin has never been a manager at the MLB level. Since 2016, he has been a third base coach for the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, and the Los Angeles Angels. The worst case is the Angels struggle and miss the postseason which costs Nevin his chance to be the manager moving forward. Of course, if they play well under him, Nevin could earn the full-time gig.
For Joe Maddon, there will be a franchise that will want him as manager. He has the experience and a World Series ring. Maddon’s overall record is 1,382-1,216, a winning percentage of .532. His teams earned a playoff spot 8 times. Look for him to manage a team in 2023.
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