LA Angels Manager Search Is Taking Shape

When the LA Angels choose their new manager, it will be one of the biggest moves of the offseason. They could still be a week or two away from selecting Mike Scioscia‘s replacement, but over the past few days we have learned a lot about where the team stands in their search.

Mike Scioscia accomplished everything the LA Angels could have hoped for when they signed him in 1999. 19 years of managing from their next skipper would be a dream for the Halos. They are definitely doing their due diligence, as multiple reports have surfaced pointing out the thoroughness of the interviews candidates are going through.

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News broke earlier this week that a section of the interview process for candidates involved a 2-hour written test. That already seems extensive, but considering the interviews have taken 8-9 hours apiece, it is clear the Angels are checking all boxes with each candidate.

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It has also been reported the Angels have interviews with ten candidates. The names of all of them weren’t released, but the ones named included special assistants Brad Ausmus and Eric Chavez, Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada, Tampa Bay Rays’ major league field coordinator Rocco Baldelli, Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde and former shortstop Omar Vizquel. Among them, Vizquel has said he is out of the running while Brad Ausmus is the only one with experience managing at the MLB level.

Angels bench coach Josh Paul and third base coach Dino Ebel are also believed to have been interviewed. Out of the ten given interviews, it is unclear how many have been given second interviews.

While the Angels may be close to (or already have) deciding on their next manager, they may not be making it public until November. With the World Series starting on Tuesday, the Angels will either have to announce it on Monday or wait until the series has concluded, as the MLB discourages such moves during the World Series.

The Halos are close to finding their new manager. It is likely going to be someone new to managing an MLB team, and no matter who is chosen, this will be the biggest move of the Angels’ offseason, and one of the biggest storylines for the 2019 season and beyond.