After Jerry Dipoto stepped down on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Angels and Mike Scioscia denied that the long-time manager had a role in the general manager's departure.

The Angels did not publicly give a reason for the split beyond vague allusions by president John Carpino to a recent team meeting that didn't go well for Dipoto. Scioscia and Carpino flatly denied reports of renewed tension between the two, insisting Scioscia would have been glad to keep working with Dipoto.

"I can only speak for myself, [but] there's never been a power struggle," Scioscia said. "I understand what the role of manager is in the organization. I'm hard-headed. I have opinions. ... I understand that a manager gets the word 'no' more than he gets 'yes.' I understand that, and it happens here. There was no ego, no power struggle."

Dipoto refused to cast blame Wednesday night in addressing his resignation with beat reporters.

"I am not leaving a disgruntled employee, throwing stones on my way out the door," Dipoto said. "I love the group. I really do. I hope the guys can continue to make as much progress as I feel we made the last 3½ years. This is simply about me believing that I was no longer in a position to be that person."