Washington Nationals: 10 candidates to replace Dusty Baker
By Ron Juckett
HENSLEY MEULENS
Another name certain to draw interviews from teams this fall is Hensley Meulens.
Known as “Bam Bam” from his playing days with the New York Yankees, Meulens worked his way through the minor leagues as a coach until taking the hitting coach job with the San Francisco Giants in 2010. Three world championships later, at 50, he might be ready for top billing.
Under Meulens leadership, the Netherlands surprised the baseball world as they finished fourth in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. His only managerial assignment to date.
The transition from position coach to manager is daunting, but Meulens has been in pro baseball since 1986. In fact, he has ties to the franchise as a player. In 1997, he was a member of the Expos.
A speaker of five languages, Meulens intelligence is an immediate asset to the clubhouse. He has experience winning postseason series and is considered a top mind in the game.
Leaving a cushy job on the west coast is difficult, but the Nats are a good team. Although the pressure is there to advance, Meulens is the type of potential manager you can build a team around for years. If he can work with Pablo Sandoval, then Trea Turner is not a problem.
With many jobs open, Meulens is on a few shortlists. A solid interview with Washington puts him in prime position for the best team available.