Los Angeles Dodgers, Manager Don Mattingly Agree to Part Ways

Mattingly was under contract for one more season, but the Dodgers decided to put their massive payroll in the hands of someone new

The Dodgers have parted ways with manager Don Mattingly after another early playoff exit.

The Dodgers made the announcement regarding the mutually agreed upon decision Thursday morning in a news release and scheduled a news conference for 1 p.m. Mattingly told the team's executives earlier this week that he wanted to move on.

"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.

"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.

Mattingly said he still "passionate about managing" and would like to find an opportunity elsewhere. He also thanked the team and its fans.

"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." 

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The decision comes after speculation that there would be changes ahead for the franchise that boasts six world championships -- two each in the 1950s, 1960s and 1980s -- and that had baseball's highest payroll of $289.6 million. The team managed just two playoff victories before losing 3-2 to the New York Mets in a decisive Game 5 of their NL Division Series on Thursday night.

Mattingly was under contract for one more season, but the Dodgers decided to put their massive payroll in the hands of someone new.

Mattingly is 446-363 in five years at the helm, having led the club to a winning record in each of his five seasons, including three consecutive NL West titles. The 54-year-old former Yankees star ranks sixth all-time among winningest Dodgers managers.

The Dodgers have reached the playoffs three times during Mattingly's tenure, but they have won just one postseason series, beating Atlanta in the division series two years ago, while losing three. They haven't reached the World Series since 1988, when they won their last championship.

Mattingly is a holdover from the previous front office regime, having been manager Joe Torre's hand-picked successor in 2010 after he coached under the Hall of Famer for seven seasons.

He worked this season under the new tandem of president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi, who had greater hands-on management of the team than what Mattingly was used to under former GM Ned Colletti.

Between Zaidi's expertise in advanced analytics and Friedman's reputation for building a roster by crunching numbers, Mattingly had a plethora of data at his disposal this season.

But the end result was still the same.

"You come to spring training, you work all winter, you scratch, you fight, all year long to get into this situation and you have a chance. It comes to a crash," Mattingly said after the team was knocked out of the playoffs by the Mets. "I don't think there's any way to soften that blow."

Players defended Mattingly after the disappointing Game 5 loss.

"He had nothing to do with this," left fielder Kike Hernandez said. "It's not even a question. Donnie is our manager."

Veteran first baseman Adrian Gonzalez said, "He's our guy and I believe in him."

Los Angeles doesn't have any titles to show for more than $780 million in payroll over the last three seasons. In addition to this year's payroll, the Dodgers will owe about $40 million more in luxury tax.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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