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Can't forget Mattingly's tense post-season presser with Ned Colletti a few years ago.
The departure of Don Mattingly is being described as a mutual decision. ESPN says that the Dodgers offered Mattingly a contract extension this weekend, but that he realized he never really would be the guy the current front office wants so he opted out with one year left on his current contract. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, who first reported that Mattingly was out, says "Dodgers higherups like Mattingly very much, but it was apparent there wasn't support for the long-term.
"Word is Mattingly felt he was treated very well by baseball president Andrew Friedman and others, but the sides ultimately decided it was better to move on."
Mattingly scored very high marks with the Dodgers brass for his handling of several tricky situations, including what to do with Andre Ethier, who looked like an odd man out in the outfield in spring training, plus how to handle the catching and shortstop positions. He's been seen as a major clubhouse plus, and Dodgers people figure that's the most important part of today's managing job. But there's been a spotlight on his strategies, and he may have suffered from over-analyzation.
Dodgers ownership, led by Mark Walter, have been said to be supporters of Mattingly for years. But folks have wondered what the call would be since Friedman didn't hire Mattingly. As it turned out Mattingly and Friedman got along famously….Mattingly has been the Dodgers manager for five years, since taking over for his friend Joe Torre. He had a 446-363 (.551) record as manager in LA.
Update: The Dodgers have issued their news release.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Don Mattingly have mutually agreed that Mattingly will not return to manage the club in 2016.
Dodger President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, General Manager Farhan Zaidi and Senior Vice-President of Baseball Operations Josh Byrnes met and talked extensively with Mattingly for several days following the conclusion of the season.
“As our end of season process began, we discussed the past year, our future goals, necessary changes, roster needs and other matters relating to next year’s campaign,” said Dodger President, Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. “As the dialogue progressed daily, it evolved to a point where we all agreed that it might be best for both sides to start fresh. We decided to think about it for a couple of days and when we spoke again, we felt comfortable that this was the direction to go. I have the utmost respect for Donnie and thoroughly enjoyed working with him this past season. I want to thank him for his hard work and collaboration, as well as his accomplishments, including three consecutive National League West titles. I wish him nothing but success in the future.”
“I’m honored and proud to have had the opportunity to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers,” said Mattingly. “I’ve enjoyed my experiences and relationships with the organization’s staff and players throughout my eight years in L.A. After meeting with Andrew, Farhan and Josh, we all felt that a fresh start would be good for both the organization and me. We talked about several scenarios, including my returning in 2016. However, I believe this is the right time and right move for both parties. I’m still very passionate about managing and hope to get the opportunity in the near future. In the meantime, I want to thank the Dodger organization, the city and our fans for the opportunity and wish the club well going forward.”
