Breaking Up Angels Isn’t the Best Answer

The problem with the Angels in 1999 was that Terry Collins simply over-managed the team. When you over-manage, it takes the fun out of playing. If the players aren’t having fun, they become tentative. They don’t go all out and this causes injuries. Then they start to complain. They become unpleasant people and, ultimately, turn on each other. The game has to be fun or you can’t win.

After Collins’ departure, the team finished the year with 19 wins and 10 losses, a .655 winning percentage, which would have been the best in baseball. Why, then, would Mr. [Tony] Tavares want to continue to treat symptoms of a disease that has already been cured by breaking up the core of the team? Is he trying to teach them a lesson? If so, the only people who will learn are the formerly loyal fans.

GARY DRAPER

Irvine