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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 17, 2002
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Angels pitching coach Bud Black said he has withdrawn from consideration for the Indians' managerial vacancy.
"The timing is just not right," Black said Wednesday as the Angels prepared for Saturday's Game 1 of the World Series. "I'm going to leave the door open for the future. The likely scenario, if things work out, is I'll be here next year."
With a home in the San Diego area and daughters aged 15 and 10, Black said he did not believe pursuing a job so far from home was appropriate. Black said he had not been contacted about any other managerial vacancies, although the Mariners' job just opened, and said he planned to return to the Angels next season.
"As of right now, yes," he said. "I'm going to leave the door open for the future."
Angel coaches all are working on one-year contracts. Although general manager Bill Stoneman has said all coaches will be invited to return next season, he has deferred contract negotiations until the end of the season.
Black, who worked for the Indians before joining the Angels, informed Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro of his decision in a telephone call Monday night.
"I'm disappointed, both because I think he has great potential to impact our organization and because of my personal and professional relationship with him," Shapiro said Wednesday. "But I certainly understand his values, and that only enhances my respect for him as a human being."
Indians interim manager Joel Skinner likely is the favorite to get the job. He led the Indians to a 35-41 record after taking over for Charlie Manuel, who was fired in July.
PARK ADJUSTMENTS: The Angels will lose two of their hottest hitters when the World Series shifts to San Francisco's Pacific Bell Park for Game 3.
With National League rules in force, the Angels will play without designated hitters Brad Fullmer and Shawn Wooten. Although Fullmer started six games at first during interleague play, manager Mike Scioscia said first baseman Scott Spiezio, the superior defensive player, will start throughout the World Series. Wooten, who also can play first, is hitting .471 in postseason play. Spiezio is hitting .375, Fullmer .316.
The Giants aren't sure who their designated hitter will be for games at Edison Field, although they might use Barry Bonds at DH against right-hander Kevin Appier and use Tom Goodwin in the outfield.
GAME 1 MATCHUP: Giants manager Dusty Baker announced that right-hander Jason Schmidt would start Game 1. Schmidt is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA in two postseason starts, including a dominating 72/3-inning outing in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Cardinals. He'll face Angels left-hander Jarrod Washburn, 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA in three postseason starts.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Joe Buck's introduction to Barry Bonds didn't go well.
It happened about nine years ago when Don Baylor, then batting coach for St. Louis, brought them together.
"I was looking at Barry Bonds, and it just seemed like here's this megastar and all you heard was how unhappy he was," the Fox announcer recalled.
"I was talking to Don about it and he said, 'Oh, Barry's a good guy, his bark is just worse than bite.' "
Then came the introduction.
"Don, who's known him all his life, comes up and goes, 'Barry this is Joe Buck, Jack Buck's son, one of our broadcasters, and he'd like to meet you.' And Barry looked at me and went, 'So?' "
"I just walked back to the dugout with my tail between my legs, my pride completely deflated. And it's always been like that. That's the reason I react to Barry the way I do."
A NEW VOICE: Game 3 at Pacific Bell Park on Tuesday will mark the first time a woman announces a World Series game, according to Giants spokesman Matt Hodson.
Renel Brooks-Moon has been the public address announcer for the Giants since 2000. She is the team's second female announcer.