Manager
Angels manager Mike Scioscia has claimed one pennant and World Series title during his 18 seasons in Los Angeles. Hinch won his first World Series in just his third year in the Lone Star State.
The front office hired Hinch just as the franchise made its 180-turn. But it also takes a strong-willed, knowledgeable skipper to lead a team to victory.
Surprisingly, Scioscia had more success without Trout than with him. Between 2004 and 2009, the Angels won their division five times.
Hinch led the Astros to the postseason twice in the previous three years. Despite his bullpen’s inconsistency in 2017, he’s not afraid to rely on anyone in it. But he also allows starting pitchers to go deep in meaningful games. Justin Verlander’s clutch performances against the Yankees were just a few examples.
Scioscia hasn’t had many opportunities to display his managerial expertise in big games, as Los Angeles has made the postseason just once since 2010. In an era when managers that win are fired every season, it’s a surprise that he still heads the MLB club.
But the front office has seen his potential. When the Angels claimed the World Series title in 2002, it was against a Barry Bonds-led Giants squad. And Los Angeles arguably dominated that series.
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However, Scioscia could officially be on the hot seat if he doesn’t capture wins early in 2018. With a revamped offense, Los Angeles might land in the top 10 rankings for the first time since 2014 – it finished first in the league.
He’s not the most majestic pitching coach in the league, though. And with a lesser-talented pitching staff, he could struggle to keep his team in shape.
Nevertheless, managers like Bruce Bochy can make the most of even the least-imposing clubs in the leagues. Scioscia’s experience as a manager could help in many situations.
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Yet, Hinch has a more talented squad and a rapport with all of the players. Scioscia has new players he must build chemistry with.
Advantage: Houston Astros