Scioscia isn't worried about his job security
Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia should have as much security as any manager in baseball.
He has led the Angels to the most successful run in franchise history, including the club's only championship in 2002, a run of five division titles in six years, winning records in seven of the past eight seasons and two trips to the AL Championship Series since the 2002 World Series run.
One of only 48 managers in baseball history with over 1,100 wins, Scioscia has done it all with one team and has more tenure in his current position than any other active manager. On top of that, he has a contract that runs through 2018 and respect throughout the majors.
But this year's team entered with high expectations -- and a high payroll -- after signing Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson in the biggest one-day free agent binge in baseball history. The results on the field haven't matched those expectations. With two weeks left in the season, the Angels are still chasing a playoff spot, though they made up some ground Tuesday with an 11-3 rout of the Texas Rangers.
The combination of underachievement and questions about the relationship between first-year general manager Jerry Dipoto and Scioscia (who acted as a de facto GM during Tony Reagins' tenure in the position) have raised speculation about whether Scioscia will continue as the manager beyond this season if the team fails to make the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
"That's not a question for me," Scioscia said when asked about the possibility. "I go about my business -- and our (coaching) staff goes about our business -- the same way every day. The passion's there. At times, the results haven't been what we had hoped for this season, but that doesn't change anything I'm doing on a daily basis, I can tell you that."
Dipoto has steadfastly refused to be drawn into any discussion of Scioscia's job security, praising the manager and insisting the focus should be on the team's playoff push.
"Mike has a great track record of success," Dipoto said. "He's had a lot of success here."