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Angels GM affirms Scioscia's 'job is not in jeopardy'

Jason O. Watson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Despite the Los Angeles Angels sitting last in the American League West with a 32-45 record, manager Mike Scioscia isn't going anywhere, according to general manager Billy Eppler.

The Angels GM spoke with reporters Tuesday and re-affirmed Scioscia's job was safe.

"His job is not in jeopardy," Eppler explained as he compared the question to ones he used to answer when he was a member of the New York Yankees' front office.

The 57-year-old Scioscia, who guided the club to a World Series title in 2002 and is the owner of two AL manager of the year awards, has managed the Angels since 2000.

But, with the team struggling despite sending arguably the game's best player, Mike Trout, to the field every night, Scioscia's name has been mentioned with the Detroit Tigers' Brad Ausmus and Robin Ventura of the Chicago White Sox as potential candidates to be fired.

Eppler also went on to say the idea of the Angels rebuilding was completely out of the question.

"With the position of this organization and the financial strengths of this organization, it’s not in the DNA to rebuild. So, we will not do that," he said.

The GM believes it's possible for the Angels to contend long-term without rebuilding completely.

"I think you can serve both masters," he explained. "I think you can contend and compete at the major league level while maintaining a commitment to building a farm system. So, we're making that commitment. We'll do both."

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