Scioscia under contract with Angels for 10 years

[January 13, 2009]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Mike Scioscia's extension with the Los Angeles Angels puts the most successful manager in franchise history under contract through the 2018 season.

Two people with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press the parties agreed to a 10-year deal that allows Scioscia to opt out after the 2015 season. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because contract terms have not been released.

The contract length and opt-out clause were first reported on BigJoeonline.com, a Los Angeles-based sports Web site.

"It's a significant commitment from myself, (Angels owner) Arte Moreno and (general manager) Tony Reagins," Scioscia said Monday. "I think it reflects on their confidence that we're moving in the right direction and will continue to move in the right direction until we get back to the World Series and win a championship. That's our goal."

The Angels announced last Monday that the parties agreed in principle on a multiyear extension. Previously, Scioscia was under contract through next season with a club option for 2010 for about $2 million per season. Reagins would only say the extension "goes well beyond" 2010.

"This is where I want to be," Scioscia said. "I think it's a great place to be if you love this game. I'm excited about moving forward with this organization. Arte and Tony made a significant commitment to me and the philosophy our staff brings to this organization."

The Angels have an 803-655 record for a winning percentage of .551 in nine seasons under Scioscia, who turned 50 in November. They won the World Series in 2002 and have won four of the last five AL West titles.

The Angels were baseball's only 100-game winners in 2008, but were eliminated by the Boston Red Sox in the AL division series for the second consecutive year.

[Associated Press; By JOHN NADEL]

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