Washington Nationals: 10 candidates to replace Dusty Baker
By Ron Juckett
SANDY ALOMAR
Another manager in waiting, Sandy Alomar is a solid candidate with a tremendous resume.
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A successful catcher with the Cleveland Indians during their run in the 1990s, Alomar has spent the last eight seasons with Cleveland as a coach or interim manager. He was a finalist countless times for other positions, the Nats can hit a home run by bringing him on board.
A first base coach for Terry Francona, Alomar has helped revitalize the Indians back into contention and nearly a championship. Do not let his reassignment from bench coach to first base fool you a couple years ago. Francona and Brad Mills are best friends and Francona wanted him back after Mills was fired in Houston.
As a good catcher, six All-Star games qualify, Alomar’s role in quarterbacking the infield and calling pitches gave him immeasurable experience. Although Alomar does not have Nevin’s minor-league pedigree, the fact he is sought after and Cleveland’s success makes him valuable.
When given the chance, Alomar will shine. What may hold the Nats back is a lack of managerial experience outside of the last week of the 2012 season. Again, salary is not a roadblock.
Recent playoff success and being a member of a Francona staff work in Alomar’s favor. The Mets scarfed Mickey Callaway as their new skipper. Callaway was the pitching coach responsible for helping Corey Kluber and the rest of the staff along. Alomar might be the second coach this off-season to merit a promotion.