IT DOESN’T look like Mike Scioscia is available (Wikipedia).

So – right on schedule – the Angels ash-canned their manager, poor Kurt Suzuki.

Critics say, well, of course. Look at the team’s record: a worst-ever 100 losses. Somebody must be to blame!

Of course, others might say that no manager could have made a winner out of the roster of not-yets, never-was and can’t-do folks who wore an Angels uniform in 2026.

Both of those judgments are harsh, but contain a germ of truth.

Generally speaking, though, a great coach – or manager – can make good team great or a bad team mediocre.
Usually. But baseball history is full of managers who did great for one team and not-so-great for others. A managerial style that works in Boston may not fly in Anaheim. One who struggled in Florida might work in Wisconsin.

Looking at how many one-run and extra-inning games the Angels lost, the most pressing need is not some mythical genius manager or an expensive free agent but a better bullpen. Many are the games the Halos lost in the last two innings.

But the other side needs to be recognized, too. Why can’t the team score just a few more runs?

Mike Scioscia emphasized “small ball,” referring to manufacturing scores by combining walks with stolen bases and a single, etc.

Unfortunately, Mike’s not available (as far as I know).

Picking a manager is like eating some food you have never tasted before. Until you start, what do you really know?

So don’t expect a miracle man to turn the Orange County team into world-beaters overnight. Brick by brick, my friends. Brick by brick.