Brad Ausmus named new Angels manager, per report

The Los Angeles Angels have hired Brad Ausmus to be their new manager, according to reports. Ausmus, who Detroit Tigers fans are familiar with both as a player and manager, worked in the Angels front office in 2018 after he was let go as Detroit’s manager.

Ausmus will succeed long-time Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who oversaw one of the most successful runs in franchise history. The Angels went 1,650-1,428 under Scioscia, a .536 win percentage. He is responsible for over one-third of the franchise’s all-time wins, and won the 2002 World Series, the team’s only championship. The team also went to the playoffs six other times under Scioscia, though only once since 2010.

Ausmus’ tenure in Detroit wasn’t so rosy. He won the 2014 AL Central title with a 90-72 record, though the team was roughly a .500 club after a blazing 27-12 start. The Tigers finished in last place twice in four years under Ausmus, and finished just outside the playoffs in 2016. He was 314-332 in his four years as the Tigers’ manager.

Ausmus was one of the hottest coaching commodities on the market when the Tigers hired him before the 2014 season. He spent 18 years in the major leagues as a player, most with the Houston Astros. He played in 352 games across three seasons with the Tigers, hitting .266/.354/.382.

While Ausmus didn’t enjoy much success in Detroit, he may have better luck in Los Angeles. Many of the great managers in MLB history did not have much success in their first jobs, and Ausmus has continually been praised by players and front office types alike for his work with young players and steady demeanor in the clubhouse.

Having the best player in the world on his team won’t hurt either.