Los Angeles Angels Appoint Kurt Suzuki as New Manager
The Los Angeles Angels have announced the hiring of former MLB catcher Kurt Suzuki as their new manager. Suzuki, who has been a special assistant to the team's general manager for the past three years, brings a wealth of experience from his 16-year playing career, including an All-Star selection in 2014 and a World Series title in 2019. He replaces Ron Washington, who departed after two disappointing seasons and health issues.
Initially, the Angels considered Albert Pujols for the managerial role, but discussions fell through, leading them to Suzuki and fellow assistant Torii Hunter as top candidates. Suzuki becomes the fifth full-time manager in eight years for the franchise, which has struggled with ten consecutive losing seasons and eleven years without a playoff appearance. Despite having a young core of players, the Angels have faced ongoing challenges under owner Arte Moreno. The team is also dealing with negative publicity due to a high-profile wrongful death trial involving the family of late pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
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