Scioscia refutes claims of rift with GM Dipoto

SEATTLE — Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia refuted reports of a rift with general manager Jerry Dipoto over differences in opinion regarding moves by the organization.

A report from FOXSports.com Friday stated that the Angels are expected to replace either Scioscia or Dipoto because of continuing "philosophical differences" between the two men.

Scioscia claimed Saturday such a rift doesn’t exist.

"There’s no philosophical differences," Scioscia said. "Jerry and I are certainly, as far as our baseball philopsophies, in line."

Scioscia said the only decision he’s publicly had a problem with was the firing of hitting coach Mickey Hatcher in May 2012. Beyond that, Scioscia said the rest is just normal disagreements regarding player evaluations that are common in any relationship between a manager and GM.

"You’re not going to agree on everything. That’s healthy," Scioscia said. "You have to have conversation. You’ve got to throw it on the table and just see if it has merit, talk about it, peel the paint off of it and I feel that’s happening."

Scioscia believes both sides have moved on from the decision to let Hatcher go and he still believes his relationship with Dipoto is sustainable.

"I think it’s a normal general manager-manager relationship," Scioscia said.

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