Indians Ax Manuel Options

[George Twins fan]

Charlie Manuel became the latest victim of the fading Cleveland Indians as he was fired today. This from ESPN.com:

[quote] CLEVELAND -- Charlie Manuel was fired Thursday as manager of the rebuilding Cleveland Indians, a source told The Associated Press.

Manuel was in the final year of his contract with the disappointing Indians, who entered the season's second half at 39-47 and 9½ games behind division-leading Minnesota.

The team source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Manuel will be replaced by third-base coach Joel Skinner on an interim basis.

Manuel was seen on his way to the parking garage at Jacobs Field a few hours before the Indians opened a three-game series with the New York Yankees.

Team spokesman Bart Swain refused to confirm the firing, but said the club planned a 4 p.m. ET news conference at Jacobs Field.

Manuel is the seventh manager to lose his job this season.

The Indians have sputtered offensively this season after trading Roberto Alomar and not re-signing Juan Gonzalez. Owner Larry Dolan told general manager Mark Shapiro to trim $15 million off last season's $91 million payroll.

As the team has scored fewer runs, fan support has dwindled. The normally sold-out Jacobs Field has seen some of its smallest crowds this season since the park opened in 1994.

Manuel was in the final year of his contract after Cleveland exercised his option in October.

Manuel had hoped to get an extension and stay with the defending AL Central champions, who have looked nothing like the Cleveland clubs that have won six titles in seven years.

He met with Shapiro after returning from Milwaukee on Wednesday and talked with Dolan on Thursday, the source said.

The Indians started the season 11-1, but injuries and a lack of production in key spots has led to their freefall.

Cleveland moved into a rebuilding phase last month when it traded ace Bartolo Colon to Montreal. The Indians are looking to make other deals before the July 31 deadline as they rebuild with young position players and a strong pitching staff.

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[DCBucky]

C'mon George -- admit it -- the main reason you posted this story was this statement: "9½ games behind division-leading Minnesota"

[George Twins fan]

D'oh!!! You got me Bucky!!!

[osufan]

I thought he posted it so he could say "the fading cleveland indians"

So Long Charlie !! Now, starting tonight, the Tribe is going to win 4 str8 from the Stankees !!!!!!

[TC]

Yahoo or should I say 'Wahoo'. Has you ever heard Manuel interviewed? He sucks.