LAA Intl Scouting Director fired

Hopefully, their dept will be in disarray come July 2, so that TX might have some small advantage...

Angels confirm scouting dismissal
Daniel relieved of internal duties on eve of Draft
fan comments (1)print this page e-mail this page post on facebook By Lyle Spencer / MLB.com

06/05/09 8:20 PM ET
DETROIT -- Beyond confirming that it is true, Angels management is not commenting on the detachment of Clay Daniel as their director of international scouting, a position he held for nine years.

With the international signing period for prospects not subject to the First-Year Player Draft beginning on July 2, the departure of Daniel comes at a less than ideal time.

Yet the brass remains busy in anticipation of the First-Year Player Draft, which begins Tuesday and runs through Thursday. The Angels own five choices among the first 48 and two in the first round, at 24 and 25, from the Mets and Yankees for the signings of Francisco Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira, respectively.

Under Daniel's watch, the Angels have been active in the international market. Among those signed under his direction are pitchers Ervin Santana, Jose Arredondo, Rafael Rodriguez and Rich Thompson, along with first baseman Kendry Morales and shortstop Erick Aybar -- almost one-quarter of the 25-man roster.

Daniel told the Los Angeles Times he was "dumbfounded" by the decision to let him go and did not speculate whether the club was planning to alter its international operations. General manager Tony Reagins said the club's plans were unchanged.

FOX Sports reported Thursday that Daniel was let go for "improper activities by some of the scouts he had hired."

Lyle Spencer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.



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