October 15, 2007

Angels Stoneman to resign, Reagins to take over
The team is expected to make the official announcement today at an 11:30 a.m. news conference.
By BILL PLUNKETT
The Orange County Register

ANAHEIM – After presiding over the most successful period in franchise history, Bill Stoneman is ready to step down as the Angels' general manager.

The Angels have called a news conference for today at 11:30 a.m. to make what is billed as "a major announcement." The Angels would not comment on the record but indications are the announcement will be Stoneman's decision to step down as GM after eight years and move into a consultant's role with the team.

The Angels are expected to name Stoneman's successor at Tuesday's news conference and stay in-house, with director of player development Tony Reagins the leading candidate.

Stoneman, 63, was hired after the 1999 season. When Arte Moreno purchased the team in May 2003, Stoneman was given a contract extension. That contract ended with the 2007 season but included a mutual option for Stoneman to either continue as GM or step into a consultant's role.

Earlier this year, Moreno said the decision would be Stoneman's to make but he wanted him to remain a part of the Angels' organization "one way or another." Stoneman repeatedly declined to comment on his job status during the 2007 season, saying only "it's going to be something I figure out when the time comes."

Stoneman's eight-year tenure as Angels GM is the longest since the franchise's first GM, Fred Haney, held the position for the Angels' first eight seasons. Though he was often criticized for a reluctance to make trades, the Angels had four 90-win seasons, made the playoffs four of the past six years, won the division three of the past four and became World Series champions for the first time in franchise history in 2002 during Stoneman's tenure.

Reagins, 40, is a 1991 graduate of Cal State Fullerton who has been working in the Angels' organization since 1992. He started as an intern in baseball operations and the marketing department then spent four years as the Angels' manager of baseball operations before being promoted to director of player development six years ago. Abe Flores is currently the Angels' manager of baseball operations and would be in line to replace Reagins as director of player development.

Under Reagins' direction, the Angels' minor-league system has become one of the most well-stocked and well-respected in baseball. Fifteen of the 25 players on the Angels' playoff roster against the Boston Red Sox were products of the team's farm system, the most homegrown players among the eight teams that qualified for postseason play this season.

Reagins will become the third minority currently holding a GM position with a major-league team, joining the White Sox's Kenny Williams and the Mets' Omar Minaya.