Senior Vice President Uhlich Is Dismissed by Angels

Less than two months after reaching a verbal agreement with Angel owner Arte Moreno to extend his stay with the organization by three years, Kevin Uhlich, the team’s senior vice president of business operations, has been dismissed.

Moreno, who took control of the Angels in May, would not discuss the sudden dismissal of an employee who had completed the ascent from batboy to one of the highest-ranking front-office positions during a 28-year affiliation with the organization, said Tim Mead, vice president of communications.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Mead said. “Any time you have someone who’s been with an organization this long, it’s a surprising announcement. He is revered and has done a fantastic job for our organization.”

Uhlich, 46, could not be reached for comment. Among his most celebrated achievements were his role in the $100-million renovation of Edison Field and the refurbishment of the Angels’ spring training complex in Tempe, Ariz.

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The Angels signed pitching coach Bud Black to a one-year contract extension. No financial terms were announced. Black, 46, has been the club’s pitching coach for four seasons.

The Angels’ 4.28 earned-run average was the sixth-lowest in the American League this season. The bullpen has been the league’s best the last two seasons, with an ERA of 2.98 in 2002 and 3.03 in 2003.

Ben Bolch

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The Baltimore Orioles received permission from the New York Yankees to talk to Lee Mazzilli about their vacant manager’s job. Mazzilli, 48, is in his fourth season as the Yankees’ first base and outfield coach.

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The Dodgers announced that pitchers Masao Kida and Rick Roberts were signed to minor league contracts. Kida, 35, appeared in three games this season. He was 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA. Roberts, 24, made only two appearances at triple-A Las Vegas.