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Washington Nationals: 10 candidates to replace Dusty Baker

By Ron Juckett

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 09: Manager Dusty Baker of the Washington Nationals and manager Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs meet before game three of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 09: Manager Dusty Baker of the Washington Nationals and manager Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs meet before game three of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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JIM LEYLAND

Already coming out of retirement to guide Team USA to their only World Baseball Classic title this spring, Jim Leyland is an intriguing option of the Nats are looking for a short fix.

But, at 73, the chances of him going through the daily grind of another season are slim. His last MLB season came in 2013 with the Detroit Tigers. He won the AL Central, but fell to the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. Five years is a long time to be away.

Leyland is not giving up retirement without serious money either. If the Nats pursue him, it is for one year. Good luck.

Combined with his recent WBC success, Leyland guided three squads to the World Series. He won it all with the Florida Marlins in 1997 and brought Detroit to two. His track record is tremendous.

Is there any desire to go through this? Even if Washington backed up a pair of Brinks trucks, Leyland has to get something out of the deal besides cash. A second championship might get him in the Hall of Fame. But, his overall record of 1769-1728 gives him a .506 winning percentage.

A Leyland hire is remote. An old-school manager away from baseball is a desperate hire. If the window slammed shut after 2018, it may make sense. Washington’s championship ambitions go beyond next year.

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