Good career move

A two-time World Series winner during his playing career with the Dodgers, Mike Scioscia returns to Dodger Stadium tonight as manager of the Angels and with the most successful start to his career of any active manager.

Scioscia was a catcher for the Dodgers from 1980 to 1992, twice being selected an All-Star. Once his playing career was over, Scioscia worked as a manager and coach in the Dodgers’ minor league system and was the major league club’s bench coach for two seasons. In 2000, he took over the Angels, leading the team to its first World Series championship in 2002.

Here’s how his winning percentage compares with other leading active managers through their first nine seasons, according to STATS LLC:

1. Mike Scioscia

2000-2008: 751-624 (.547)

2. Dusty Baker

1993-2001: 745-649 (.534)

3. Lou Piniella

1986-1995: 689-633 (.521)

4. Cito Gaston

1989-1997: 683-636 (.518)

5. Terry Francona

1997-2008: 709-668 (.515)

6. Jim Leyland

1986-1994: 720-688 (.511)

7. Tony La Russa

1979-1987: 648-625 (.509)

8. Bobby Cox

1978-1990: 661-672 (.496)

9. Bruce Bochy

1995-2003: 694-746 (.482)

10. Joe Torre

1977-1990: 567-683 (.454)

--

Scioscia’s fast start through his ninth season puts him 30th on the all-time list.

1. Cap Anson

1879-1887: 588-293 (.667)

2. Charlie Comiskey

1883-1891: 637-334 (.656)

3. Frank Chance

1905-1913: 825-483 (.631)

4. Frank Selee

1890-1898: 722-429 (.627)

5. Billy Southworth

1929-1947: 787-486 (.618)

7. Joe McCarthy

1926-1934: 828-546 (.603)

9. Sparky Anderson

1970-1978: 863-586 (.596)

10. Earl Weaver

1968-1976: 812-551 (.596)

15. Walter Alston

1954-1962: 892-659 (.575)

16. Davey Johnson

1984-1994: 714-530 (.574)

23. Tom Lasorda

1976-1984: 687-562 (.550)

24. Billy Martin

1969-1976: 609-498 (.550)

30. Mike Scioscia

2000-2008: 751-623 (.547)

32. Whitey Herzog

1973-1981: 556-474 (.540)

--

Davey Johnson

2000

86-76, .531

Did not make the playoffs. Manager in 1999 too

--

Jim Tracy

2001-05

427-383, .527

One division title, 1-3 in playoffs

(St. Louis)

--

Grady Little

2006-07

170-154, .525

One wild-card berth, 0-3 in playoffs (N.Y. Mets)

--

Joe Torre

2008

36-42, .462

First season with team after 12 seasons with N.Y. Yankees

--

ANGELS AT DODGERS

Tonight: Saunders (11-3) vs. Park (2-2), 7:30, Prime and Ch. 13

Saturday: Weaver (7-7) vs. Billingsley (6-7), 7 p.m., Ch. 9 and Ch. 13

Sunday: Lackey (5-1) vs. Lowe (5-7), 1 p.m., Ch. 9 and Ch. 13