RON WASHINGTON
In eight years with the Texas Rangers, Ron Washington brought the club two AL pennants and within a Nelson Cruz misplay of a World Series championship.
He brings enthusiasm and spark to his teams while handling the in-game tactics well. You could compare his personality to Baker.
With the Rangers, Washington went 664-611. Aside from two AL West titles, he guided Texas to four runner-up finishes in the division including four straight 90-plus win seasons.
Not a spring chicken at 65, Washington is young enough to do three or four years without a problem. The third base coach for Atlanta currently, he coached twice with the Oakland Athletics. He carries experience in spades.
A former major-league infielder, Washington has a player-friendly reputation as a manager. The Braves interviewed him last year for their position until taking the interim off Brian Snitker’s title.
If Washington wants to manage again, the Nats offer an immediate trip to the playoffs for him. He has experience getting over the first-round hump and a team capable of earning him a championship.
As a former manager with success, Washington’s demands for salary will be high. But he carries the positive traits carried by Baker without the playoff baggage. Along with Porter, expect some team to seriously consider him.