Indians fire manager Manny Acta with 6 games left

And, Antonetti’s major acquisition in 2011 of ace Ubaldo Jimenez failed to pay off as the right-hander went 9-17 with a 5.55 ERA. Also, despite the obvious need for a right-handed hitting outfielder, the Indians never signed one and Antonetti was unable to find any external help at the trading deadline.

As the losses in August and September mounted. Antonetti realized change was needed.

“We always remained hopeful that our play would improve and we would turn things around in the second half,” he said. “Unfortunately as the days dwindled, it didn’t happen.”

Acta refused to use an insufficient roster as an excuse for losing.

“I’m not going to sit here and point fingers or second guess myself,” he said. “I didn’t go to the ballpark and wing it. It’s a little disappointing when you can’t win as often as you want. But that’s the game, I guess.”

Acta believes he has grown following stints with the Nationals and Indians. He’s confident another team will give him a chance.

“I want to manage again, but right now I want to go home to Florida and be a father, a husband, a son and a brother,” he said. “I’ll keep my head up and move forward.”

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