Frank Robinson stepped down as manager of the Montreal Expos on Tuesday night, but was talked out of it by general manager Omar Minaya, the Newark Star-Ledger reported on Thursday.
An unidentified source told the newspaper that Robinson indicated to Minaya he was resigning after a team meeting on Tuesday night, following a 6-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Robinson stayed put, and was in the dugout for the Expos' 9-6 loss to the New York Mets on Wednesday night. He was ejected from the game for arguing balls and strikes.
Minaya denied the report. Robinson would not address the issue.
"Rumors," Robinson told the newspaper. "I don't deal with rumors.
"I'm still here," he told the paper. "If I wasn't enjoying the job, I wouldn't still be here."
On Tuesday Robinson was caught on camera lecturing starting pitcher Tony Armas Jr. on the bench after removing him from the game, and earlier in the day he blamed himself for losing Monday night's game. He said it was his fault the Phillies scored eight runs in the ninth inning to beat the Expos because he managed only eight innings.
Despite the recent acquisitions of Bartolo Colon and Cliff Floyd, the Expos have not played well of late. "We picked up (Bartolo) Colon and Cliff Floyd to improve our roster," he said. "We better start playing like we're improved."
Anaheim has quietly improved themselves in the offseason. Given Oakland's lack of movement, the Angels might have moved themselves into at least second place next season.
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