The Angels still need a manager, and one familiar name isn’t shutting the door.
Darin Erstad, a central figure on the 2002 club that brought the franchise its only World Series title, said he would be willing to listen if the Angels came calling. During an appearance on HaloTerritory, the former two-time All-Star made it clear he’s not ruling anything out.
“I mean, I'm open to whatever,” Erstad said. “Who knows what the future holds.
Obviously love the game of baseball… I just keep an open mind to everything. Who knows what the day will bring?
Just going to try and live in the moment and enjoy every second.”
The Angels are moving on from Kurt Suzuki and will weigh a list of possible replacements before settling on their next manager. Erstad has the kind of resume that makes him an obvious name to mention: he knows the organization, he knows the market, and he has history with the franchise at its highest point.
Still, Erstad said he has not been in recent contact with the team.
“Not recently, no. But I've had opportunities in the past. For one reason or another it just didn't work out… No, I have not heard anything from them recently.”
That leaves the door cracked, even if nothing appears imminent. The Angels haven’t been to the postseason since 2014, so the next hire will matter. Erstad, for now, is simply waiting like everyone else to see how it unfolds.
As a player, Erstad spent 11 seasons in Anaheim and later finished his career with the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox. He played first base and outfield, won three Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger Award, and added to that the World Series ring and two All-Star selections that still define his career.
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