Washington Nationals News: Dusty Baker old school, but willing to adapt
By Pablo Roa
Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Andrew Simon discusses how new Nationals skipper Dusty Baker is widely considered an “old school” manager, but he is willing to adapt to the ways of modern baseball.
In an era of sabermetrics, defensive shifts, and a plethora of statistics, it’s crucial for a manager to be able to strategically use all the information at his disposal to help his ball club win. The Nationals often had problems with former manager Matt Williams, who seemed unwilling to adapt and deviate from “the plan” and was often hurt by his “by the book” mentality.
Given Baker’s long managerial experience, some doubt whether or not the 66-year-old is willing to embrace the modern aspects of baseball that have become fundamental in today’s game. Fortunately or the Nationals, it looks like Baker has an open mind and is willing to pair his old school expertise with modern baseball analytics.
Also in today’s Daily, James Wagner of the Washington Post discusses some interesting (and rare) public comments made by Nationals owner Ted Lerner. In an award acceptance speech at the National Building Museum earlier this week, Lerner discussed the Nationals and Baker.
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Baker old school, but willing to adapt
WASHINGTON — Some might consider it an insult and others a compliment. Either way, there’s no question that Dusty Baker carries with him a reputation as an old-school manager.
But as Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo went through the process of vetting and interviewing Baker for his club’s vacant job, he came to view the 66-year-old in a somewhat different light. Read full article here.
Ted Lerner talks Nationals and Dusty Baker
(James Wagner, Washington Post)
Thursday was a busy day for Theodore Lerner, the managing principal owner of the Nationals. After an unusual managerial search, the Nationals formally introduced Dusty Baker as the sixth skipper in team history with the entire Lerner family looking on from the front row. That evening, Lerner accepted an award at the National Building Museum.
The Washington chapter of the Urban Land Institute, a leading development nonprofit, gave Lerner, 90, a lifetime achievement award. The son of immigrants, Lerner grew up in Washington, served in the Army, went to George Washington University, earned a law degree and then founded real estate development giant Lerner Enterprises in 1952. But the billionaire yearned for baseball to return to the city and his family purchased the team in 2006, a year after the Nationals’ first season in Washington. Read full article here.