Alou takes the fall in Montreal

MONTREAL (AP) - Felipe Alou was fired Thursday as manager of the Montreal Expos and was replaced by Jeff Torborg.

Alou, Montreal's manager since May 22, 1992, was let go with the Expos last in the NL East at 21-32. His overall record with the Expos is 691-717.

In 1994, Alou had the Expos in first place when a players strike ended the season in August. He was voted NL Manager of the Year.

"The decision to change managers was very difficult, but one that I felt necessary," Expos owner Jeffrey Loria said in a statement. "Our team has been underperforming for some time. Before the season started, and many times since, I have reiterated the fact that we expect to win and that excuses of past years will not be accepted.

"Jeff Torborg understands that the pressure for this team to turn around starts tonight."