Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Angels fired longtime hitting
coach Mickey Hatcher on Tuesday, citing the team's underwhelming offensive
start as a reason.
Hatcher was in his 13th season as the Angels' hitting coach and held the
position when the team won its only World Series title in 2002.
"Sometimes in the sports world a point is reached where perhaps a new voice is
needed in order to attain the desired goals and objectives," said Angels
general manager Jerry Dipoto. "Unfortunately we feel this is one of those
times. Offensively we have underachieved and everyone shares in the
responsibility of what has transpired thus far."
Los Angeles has scored 134 runs in 37 games this season, which ranks 22nd in
the major leagues. The club has also seen prized free-agent signee Albert
Pujols get off to a sluggish start.
Pujols, a career .326 hitter, is batting just .212 with one home run.
The Angels promoted hitting coach Jim Eppard from Triple-A Salt Lake City to
replace Hatcher.
The Sports Network