Rangers Add Kennedy to Fired List

Texas Ranger Manager Kevin Kennedy, whose team led the American League West despite a losing record when the strike started, was fired Wednesday, two days after the hiring of a general manager.

“My gut feeling was that I wanted to start with a clean slate in preparation for next season,” General Manager Doug Melvin said. “I’m hoping to heck that Kevin lands somewhere. He shouldn’t have to go back to the minor leagues.”

Kennedy was the fourth manager to be fired since the players went on strike Aug. 12.

“I wasn’t surprised,” Kennedy said. “I understand change, it’s part of the business. I have no regrets. I wish the best for Doug Melvin and the Texas Rangers, except when they’re playing against us--whoever I may be.”

Marty Scott, who had spent the last 10 years as director of player development for the Rangers, also was fired.

Texas was 52-62 and in first place in the weak AL West when the season stopped. The Rangers had lost six in a row before the strike, and their lead over Oakland had been cut to one game.

Kennedy, 40, leaves with an overall 138-138 record. He has one year at $250,000 left on his contract.

Melvin has a list of candidates, but would not reveal any names. He did not deny reported possibilities such as former Baltimore Oriole manager Johnny Oates, Oriole bench coach Jerry Narron, Cleveland Indian pitching coach Phil Regan and Pittsburgh Pirate coach Bill Virdon.

(Southland Edition) Revolving Door

Managers who have been fired after the 1994 season.

Team Fired Manager Successor Baltimore Johnny Oates None Boston Butch Hobson None Kansas City Hal McRae Bob Boone Texas Kevin Kennedy None