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Los Angeles Dodgers and Don Mattingly agree to part ways

By Tim Haberin

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The Los Angeles Dodgers and manager Don Mattingly have mutually agreed to part ways, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Characterizing a split as “mutual” is often a way of allowing an outgoing skipper some extra dignity, but the Dodgers apparently did maintain some level of interest in bringing Mattingly back for 2016.

The Los Angeles Times’ Bill Shaikin reports that the Dodgers and Mattingly discussed a “concept” of a contract extension, but no formal offer was made.

The move comes after days of uncertainty following Los Angeles’ ouster in Game 5 of the NLDS against the New York Mets. There had been a general sense heading into the postseason that Mattingly could be in trouble if the team experienced an early exit.

Mattingly’s tenure was ultimately a prosperous one, in terms of both on-field results and an unprecedented degree of offseason spending. He became manager prior to the 2011 campaign and led the Dodgers to a 446-363 regular season record during his five years at the helm. L.A. captured the last three NL West division titles under his watch.

The franchise’s rapidly growing payroll may have been both a blessing and curse, however. As the expensive talent on the field increased, fans and the front office expected deeper playoff runs. The Dodgers reached the NLCS in 2013 but fell to the Cardinals in six games. The following season saw them eliminated by St. Louis again, this time in four games in the NLDS. And of course, they failed to advance past the division series this year as well.

Unfair or not, Mattingly was saddled with an immense amount of pressure and shouldered a lot of blame for the club’s postseason shortcomings. The goal in Dodgerland right now is fairly simple: World Series or bust. Not unlike that of the team where Mattingly spent his entire 14-year playing career.

Mattingly’s name still carries considerable weight, and he should generate significant interest around the league. Heyman tabs the Marlins as one potential suitor. Meanwhile, the Dodgers will attempt to find a new leader to get them over the hump in 2016.

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