The Los Angeles Angels controversially sacked manager Joe Maddon on Tuesday afternoon.
The team had lost its 12th straight game, and dropped a heartbreaking game on Sunday (they were up 5-0 at one point).
Maddon goes with a losing record in a little over two seasons with the club.
Phil Nevin has been appointed as the interim manager, and he already had a losing debut on Tuesday: the Angels’ losing streak is up to 13 games.
Los Angeles Times reporter Mike DiGiovanna, who has covered the Angels for years, explained the decision-making process by the front office that led to Maddon’s dismissal.
He said that players weren’t consulted at any point.
“#Angels GM Perry Minasian said he had “no interaction with players or coaches” before making decision to fire MGR Joe Maddon. Only consulted with owner Arte Moreno and team prez John Carpino,” DiGiovanna tweeted.
#Angels GM Perry Minasian said he had “no interaction with players or coaches” before making decision to fire MGR Joe Maddon. Only consulted with owner Arte Moreno and team prez John Carpino.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) June 7, 2022
The Angels Need To Step Up Their Game To Avoid Being Left Out Again
In reality, a general manager doesn’t really have to ask players their opinion in baseball-related matters, but it’s not uncommon to see them approaching some of the team veterans, or the captain, if there is one.
But Minasian apparently made up his mind without really knowing the clubhouse dynamics that may or may not have led to the recent skid.
It’s certainly surprising that the likes of Mike Trout or Shohei Ohtani weren’t consulted about such an important decision in the team’s future.
The 27-30 Angels will see their slim postseason hopes disappear if they don’t start winning games in bunches.
With the expanded playoffs, they still have time to enter the party, but they will need to play much, much better baseball.
NEXT: Joe Maddon Comments On His Future In The Game