MLB Expert Fears for Phil Nevin's Future as Angels' Manager
In this story:
Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin took the reins as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels a season and a half ago. This is his first stint as a manager, and the pressure is mounting as the Angels have failed to reach the playoffs for eight consecutive years.
Although he's only been coach a full year, the question of whether Nevin's job is in jeopardy is a valid one. The Angels' lack of success cannot be solely attributed to him, but as the leader of the team, he bears a significant amount of responsibility.
This could be a do-or-die year for the 52-year-old manager, and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal believes it's on him if he could keep his job or not.
Phil Nevin, Angels: The Angels signed Nevin to a one-year contract last October while the team was for sale. When owner Arte Moreno shifted course in March, deciding to keep the club, the dynamic essentially remained unchanged: The Angels probably need to make the playoffs for Nevin, 52, to keep his job.
Much has gone wrong thus far. Shohei Ohtani is not the same as a pitcher. Mike Trout is not the same as a hitter. Anthony Rendon was suspended four games for confronting a fan, and is now on the injured list with a left groin strain. The bullpen has blown 10 saves. Yet for all that, the Angels are two games above .500, in contention for both the AL West title and a wild-card berth.
One disturbing sign: The team is tied for the major-league lead with 32 errors, demonstrating the kind of poor fundamental play that often gets managers in trouble. The Angels are middle of the pack according to the advanced defensive metrics, but they will need to play cleaner to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Nevin's inexperience as a manager is a factor that cannot be ignored, as the transition from player to manager is a challenging one. While he may have grown up in Fullerton and has a strong connection to the area, that alone does not guarantee success as a manager.
However, not all of it can go to Nevin, as the ownership shares some responsibility for the Angels' struggles. Angels owner Arte Moreno and company must also be evaluated on their ability to provide the necessary infrastructure and support for success. Over the years, you can argue Moreno is the sole reason for the Halos lack of success. It's a two-way street in that department.
Nonetheless, the margin for error is slim, and the pressure to win is immense. With Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout as cornerstones, the Angels have the potential for greatness. Whether Nevin can guide them to the promised land remains to be seen. Time will tell if he can grow into the role and lead the Angels back to the playoffs, but it's clear that the clock is ticking, and his job may indeed be in jeopardy if the team continues to fall short of expectations.
