Halo Hangout Roundtable: LA Angels Potential Managers

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 13: Manager Mike Scioscia #14 of the Anaheim Angels acknowledges the crowd after the victory against the Minnesota Twins in Game five of the American League Championship Series on October 13, 2002 at Edison International Field in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Twins 13-5 and won the Series 4-1 to advance to the World Series. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 13: Manager Mike Scioscia #14 of the Anaheim Angels acknowledges the crowd after the victory against the Minnesota Twins in Game five of the American League Championship Series on October 13, 2002 at Edison International Field in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Twins 13-5 and won the Series 4-1 to advance to the World Series. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 13: Manager Joe Girardi #28 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros during game one of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 13: Manager Joe Girardi #28 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros during game one of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Joe Girardi: The Veteran

By Vincent Page (@VincentPage74)

Joe Girardi is a long shot to be the LA Angels next manager. However, amongst all candidates, he is by far the most accomplished. He is well-known for his anti-facial hair policy (can confirm the Angels have no big bearded players), but is one of the best coaches of the last 15 years.

Girardi won the 2006 Manager of the Year Award in his sole season with the Florida Marlins. That year, he led the team with the lowest payroll in the MLB ($15 million!) to a 78-84 record, and was contending for the Wild Card spot until the final weeks of the season.

Due to a rift with ownership, Girardi was fired after the season. He interviewed for several managerial jobs, but ultimately went unsigned and waited a year later to sign with the New York Yankees. He went on to win the 2009 World Series, and was fired in 2017 despite being one win away from the World Series.

Billy Eppler and Girardi worked closely with each other before Eppler’s move to LA, and there was no reported problems between the two. Given the Yankees record as one of the best teams in the MLB since Girardi’s hiring, it may be the right move for Eppler to reunite with his old running mate.

Girardi has reportedly interviewed with the Reds for their opening, and has been connected with the Orioles and Twins. The Angels would be wise to at least interview the best manager available, even if he isn’t the most progressive.