Washington Nationals News: Nats Interview Andy Green For Manager Position
By Ricky Keeler
It was a busy day for the Washington Nationals today as they continue their search for the franchise’s sixth manager in their history. Earlier in the day, former Minnesota Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire interviewed for the position. There was a second name that talked with Mike Rizzo today. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network, Rizzo also interviewed current Arizona Diamondbacks’ third base coach Andy Green:
Source: #Nationals today concluded interview with #DBacks 3B coach Andy Green for managerial position.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 20, 2015
Green was the Diamondbacks’ third base coach this season, but it was his first year in that role. Before this year, Green had been managing in the D’Backs minor league system. The 38-year-old had back-to-back 79 win seasons in the minors with the Mobile BayBears in 2013 and 2014 (double-A) and he was the manager of the 2012 Pioneer League (Rookie Level) champion, the Missoula Osprey.
Green’s Major League playing experience was short, but he was used at four different positions (second base, third base, left field, and shortstop). In his four seasons in the big leagues, he had a .200 batting average in 140 games with two home runs and 12 RBI’s. He played three of his four seasons with the Diamondbacks (2004-2006) and he had five plate appearances with the New York Mets in 2009.
More from Nationals News
- A Washington Nationals Christmas Wishlist
- Robots in Baseball? The Possibility of an Automated Ball/Strike System in the MLB
- Washington Nationals Re-Sign RHP Erasmo Ramirez
- Washington Nationals Sign RHP Trevor Williams
- Washington Nationals find Success in First Draft Lottery
If the Nats were to hire Green as their manager, it would be the second time that Rizzo has hired a Diamondbacks’ third base coach to be the manager of the Nats. Matt Williams was Arizona’s third base coach from 2011-2013 before heading to Washington DC. Plus, Rizzo was the scouting director when Green was selected by Arizona in the 24th round of the 2000 MLB Draft.
This is the second man with Arizona connections that Rizzo has interviewed for the manager position. Last week, it was reported that Phil Nevin, who is currently the manager of the Reno Aces (Arizona’s triple-A team) interviewed for the position as well.
Right now, it would seem Green is a longshot for this position. Rizzo has interviewed candidates with more experience such as Dusty Baker, Gardenhire, and Bud Black and hiring Green would be seen as another move where Rizzo hires someone from his time in Arizona. While Green does have experience managing in the minor leagues, this is a move that the Nats can’t make when you consider they need somebody with a Major League track record to be at the helm.
Next: District Daily: Nats To Interview Ron Gardenhire For Manager Position