ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Orioles fired Manager Lee Mazzilli Thursday as the club tried to deal with the suspension of Rafael Palmeiro and a major losing streak.
Mazzilli was replaced for the remainder of the 2005 season by bench coach Sam Perlozzo. The team made the announcement prior to its series finale against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Baltimore ad lost eight straight and was 9-28 since June 21 -- falling from first in the American League East to fourth, 10 1/2 games behind the Boston Red Sox. Adding to the club's misery, Palmeiro was suspended for 10 days Tuesday for violating Major League Baseball's policy on steroid use.
Mazzilli -- in the second year of a two-year contract -- guided the club to 129 wins and 140 losses during that time, and a 51-56 record this season.
Despite adding slugger Sammy Sosa to a potent lineup, the Orioles have been hurt by injuries to key players including Sosa, catcher Javy Lopez, outfielder Larry Bigbie and third baseman Melvin Mora.
According to a report on mlb.com, Orioles players had recently criticized Mazzilli in private, and shortstop Miguel Tejada called a team meeting and said the team would have to win despite Mazzilli.
