Television Station Reports That Angels Will Not Retain Rojas

The Angels have decided not to retain Cookie Rojas as manager next season and already have compiled a list of candidates to replace him, it was reported Sunday night.

“Despite the Angels’ recent successes, sources tell us that Cookie Rojas will not be back as Angels manager next year,” Fred Roggin of Channel 4 reported.

Roggin said that, although Rojas is well-liked by both the Angel players and the front-office personnel, “The bottom line here is he simply does not have enough managerial experience.

“Our sources tell us the Angels will try to reassign Cookie within the organization. They have already drawn up a list of candidates to replace him. On the top of the list is Angel broadcaster Joe Torre, who has managed the Mets and the Braves.”

Rojas, who had been an advance scout for the Angels, got the managing job late in spring training when Gene Mauch decided to retire. The Angels got off to a poor start this season, but steadily improved and now have a 66-64 record, including victories in their last three games over the Yankees.