Brad Ausmus' Job With Angels Reportedly in Jeopardy and This Just Screams 'Joe Maddon'
By Scott Rogust
The Los Angeles Angels missed the postseason for the fifth consecutive season, and are mulling changes for the 2020 season.
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, manager Brad Ausmus' job is in jeopardy after just one season in Los Angeles, with leadership leaning towards moving in another direction.
Brad Ausmus is in jeopardy of losing his job as manager of the Angels, after his first year. His status is currently under consideration by the team’s leadership, with one source believing its more likely than not the Angels will go in another direction.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) September 30, 2019
As to when a decision is expected to be made, Mark Feinsand of MLB Network reports it will likely come in the next 24 hours.
As @Buster_ESPN reported, the Angels are contemplating manager Brad Ausmus’ job status for 2020. According to a source, a decision is expected to be made within the next 24 hours. @Ken_Rosenthal reported this week that the Angels could consider a reunion with Joe Maddon.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) September 30, 2019
According to a report earlier in the week by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Angels would pursue Joe Maddon as their manager if the Chicago Cubs finalized their decision to let him walk. That turned out to be true, as the Cubs announced Maddon will not return as the team's manager in 2020.
Our @Ken_Rosenthal is reporting that the Angels would consider moving on from Brad Ausmus — in the first year of a three-year deal — to bring in Joe Maddon if the Cubs don’t retain him.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 25, 2019
Story from Ken: https://t.co/cR7AbQ5V5s
Just last winter, the Angels signed Ausmus to a three-year contract, with the expectations of the former Detroit Tigers skipper of bringing them back to the playoffs. That wasn't the case, as the Angels finished with a 72-90 record in his first year. Oh, and those were the most losses the Angels have posted in a season since 1999.
Barring a change of heart from ownership, Brad Ausmus looks to be on his way out in just his first season with the Los Angeles Angels. Maddon spent 31 years in the Angels organization as a player and coach, so...it'd only be fitting to watch him return.