Giants Owner Magowan Moves Into Background Of Team Decisions

San Francisco, CA (AHN) - After 16 years of Giants baseball, managing partner Peter Magowan is throwing in the towel, as Microsoft chief attorney William Neukon steps up to take his place.

While Magowan will still be around in the background, and have a powerful say, Neukon will be taking over the helm and making all the major decisions.

The minor decisions will be left to Magowan, so he is not likely to be going anywhere.

This changing of the guard was most likely prompted by Magowan's frustration over being ridiculed about a number of his decisions. His mention as a "steroid enabler" in the Mitchell Report didn't exactly boost his ego either.

Under Magowan's reign as owner, Barry Bonds, Barry Zito and a new ballpark were tacked onto his resume. His idea to restructure the team around an aging Bonds was met with heavy debate on both sides of the fence.

His approach doesn't seem to have paid off, as the Giants haven't even seen a post-season appearance since 2004, and have finished their last three seasons with losing records.

Folks in San Fransico want a change, and they'll want Neukon to give it to them. As for Magowan, his future plans are not known - and how long he'll stay in the background is anyone's guess.