Angels GM sees no reason Scioscia won't be back next year

Another day, another general manager supporting their bench boss.

A day after New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson backed manager Terry Collins, Los Angeles Angels general manager Billy Eppler said Mike Scioscia's job is also safe.

"I have no reason to believe Mike won't be managing our team next season," Eppler told Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

"I think he's done a great job. He's dealt with multiple plates full of adversity and handled them with energy, passion. He's kept the guys who have stayed healthy all year optimistic, driven. I think that's the sign of a good leader."

Scioscia, the majors' longest-serving manager, has endured his worst season since being hired in 2000, with injuries leaving C.J. Wilson, Andrew Heaney, Huston Street, and Garrett Richards all out long term.

The loss of those pitchers has been felt, as the Angels have the American League's third-worst ERA (4.60), have allowed the second-most home runs (162), and have the AL's worst FIP (4.72).

Scioscia, who joins Bruce Bochy and Joe Maddon as the league's highest-paid managers, signed a 10-year, $50-million extension back in 2009, and has two years remaining on his contract.