Red Sox Add Mike Scioscia To Manager Wish List
You know him as Mike Scioscia, current manager of the Los Angeles Angels. You may also now know him as another target for the Red Sox next potential manager. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Red Sox could shift their focus to Scioscia if the John Farrell sweepstakes come up dry during this upcoming offseason.
The complicated thing with either manager is that both are currently under contract for at least the 2013 season with Scioscia under team control through the 2018 season. We’ve already heard that the Red Sox prefer Farrell and are likely to try and lure him out of Toronto. If the asking price is too steep or the Jays flat out refuse to allow this to happen, Scioscia could then be in play reports Nightengale.
Of course the Sox are hoping that the Angels fire Scioscia after this season and look for a fresh start with a new skipper. Scioscia’s Angels are currently only 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and had they not started the season so poorly, Scioscia’s job may not be in jeopardy.
The Angels were pegged as a favorite to take a run at the AL West division after they spent big money this past winter by signing free-agent heavy weight Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson who highlighted the pitcher’s class of the free-agent market. But as mentioned, a dismal April that saw them go 8-15, put the Halos behind in a big hole and are now fighting for their playoff lives. If they cannot make up the ground and secure a ticket to the October dance, Scioscia could take the fall. Sound familiar?
The 53-year old Scioscia has been at the helm of the Angels since 2000 and brought a World Series title to the franchise in 2002. He has twice won the AL Manager of the Year award, first in 2002 and again in 2009. His playing career was decorated with two World Series championships and two all-star selections throughout his twelve year career, all with the LA Dodgers.
Scioscia is one of a few people who get credit for molding Joe Maddon into the type of manager he is today when the current Rays skipper worked beside Scioscia for six seasons in LA.
If the Angels and Jays both hang on to their respective managers, well, the Red Sox will then be up the creek without a paddle and will have to revert back to the drawing board. All this and Valentine hasn’t even been fired yet. Only in Boston.