LA Angels hire former Tigers manager Brad Ausmus

Brad Ausmus managed the Detroit Tigers for the past four seasons before getting fired this season.  The LA Angels general manager Billy Eppler decided to hire Ausmus to be his special assistant on Tuesday.

The LA Angels decision to hire Ausmus is a good move to help solidify their front office.  Ausmus like Angel manager Mike Scioscia is a former catcher who played 17 major league seasons before retiring in 2010.  He was hired to manage the Tigers and posted a 314-332 record in four seasons.  In 2014 the Tigers won the AL Central going 90-72, but unfortunately lost in three straight games to the Baltimore Orioles.

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

The Tigers then had two subpar seasons in 2015 and 2017 finishing under .500 going 74-87 in 2015 and 64-98 in 2017 which is the reason for being fired.  Ausmus will assist Eppler in what could be a very busy off-season with the Angels trying to become a contender again.

Eppler has made a habit of these sort of hires as he hired Bud Black for the 2016 season.  Black however was hired away from the Angels by the Colorado Rockies before the 2017 season.  Ausmus may end up having the same situation after the 2018 season, but for the time being the Angels will rely on Ausmus’ wealth of experience in trying to make the right moves that could push the Angels closer to the playoffs in 2018.

Ausmus’ duties are unclear, but scouting and player evaluations could be a part of his role with the Angels.  Ausmus was known for his defense during his playing career winning three gold gloves in 2001, 2002, and again in 2006 hitting 80 home runs while hitting .251 with 607 runs batted in.

Want your voice heard? Join the Halo Hangout team!

Write for us!

The Angels will try to acquire a second and third baseman as well as a starting pitcher during this off-season.  The team is linked to several players at both positions with no major signings as of yet since re-signing Justin Upton at the beginning of November.  Upton was one of Ausmus’ players in Detroit before the Angels traded for him at the end of August.

Next: Angels protect four of their top prospects from Rule 5 draft

So will the addition of Ausmus help Eppler remains to be seen, but I don’t think it could hurt.