Angels

Dipoto built a team that looked really good on paper. Every relevant projection system loved this team, too. How is it his fault that this team is playing so poorly? Could anyone have predicted this team would play so poorly? Could you? Dipoto got the pieces, it's up to the coaches and manager to get the most (or at least what was EXPECTED) from his players. That hasn't happened. At least Scioscia and Butcher have to go.

It certainly does seem that way, doesn't it? I think you're on to something. I've never seen a manager mismanage, mishandle and misuse a bullpen the way he has. From putting relievers in unfavorable situations/not ideal match-up situations to often times using the wrong (our worst) relievers to preserve the lead/hold games to taking relievers out too quickly or not quickly enough and not having players warming up in time. He also has a knack to either leave the starter in too long or not long enough. The running game has been a complete failure and I am not even going to mention his other in-game strategies which have failed miserably. It does seem like he is managing to lose. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if he's deliberately sabotaging the Angels chances of winning by managing against them. It does seem like he wants to get fired. He is probably upset at Arte that he lost his power to Dipoto. He doesn't even agree with Dipoto's baseball views to begin with. They don't even see eye-to-see. He is also probably upset that Dipoto fired his best friend, Mickey Hatcher. What better way to make the guy who fired your best friend and took your power away look bad than by managing against the team HE built, which will in effect make him and his moves look bad? Genius! Scioscia also knows that he will get his money NO MATTER WHAT. The joys of a 10-year, 100% guaranteed contract! He is signed for another, what, 5 years? Then you add in the fact that Hatcher is back with the Dodgers and that the Dodgers current manager, Don Mattingly, contract expires after this year. Perhaps Scioscia has a secret agreement with the Dodgers to purposely manage against the Angels and try to make them lose (a win for the Dodgers when the Angels are losing and have fewer fans at the ballpark), and then when he inevitably gets fired, he goes back to the Dodgers and manages them either starting in 2014 or earlier (if the Dodgers fire Mattingly in-season), while helping destroy the Angels 2013 season in the process. Bravo and well done, Scioscia. You're certainly on your way to accomplishing your mission.