Washington Nationals: 4 Dave Martinez goals this off-season

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Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez has a huge to-do list. With his coaches in place, here are four things he must do before spring.

With the first round of holidays and introductions over for new Washington Nationals skipper Dave Martinez, it is time to get down to business.

Martinez, and his new coaching staff, take a team that won four division titles over the last six years. On the surface, you would think he has an easy go. Except, for that win in October part.

Yes, the first-time manager is the latest person in charge of changing Washington’s playoff performances from bad to good. Mike Rizzo and the Lerner family hope his mix of personality and analytical knowledge can push the Nats past the dreaded National League Divisional Series.

Before we get to endless number crunching and Max Scherzer getting off the team airplane dressed as a boy scout—Joe Maddon’s, Martinez’s mentor, way of team building—there are several things the new manager must establish.

Most of this new philosophy will come out next February when the Nats train in West Palm Beach. But, Martinez needs to establish his credibility now. In getting a three-year deal with an option for a fourth, Washington stuck their neck on the line hoping he is the missing link.

Remember, Martinez is the fourth manager in seven years. George Steinbrenner’s New York Yankees were the last successful team to undergo such instability. They became a laughingstock for years.

The Nats have a new manager with endless potential. Martinez has dreamed for years about getting this chance. Here are four things he must do before spring to build a championship team.

BE BRYCE’S BUDDY

This is the critical season where Bryce Harper hits free agency at the end. Although there is a growing possibility he signs an extension, the money and power of him hitting the open market is a major temptation.

Although relationships between players and managers are well-kept secrets in Washington, it is fair to say Harper and Dusty Baker carried a strained one at times. You cannot say Harper forced Baker’s dismissal, but you know heading into this year making Harper happy is important.

No, not suggesting we have switched to the NBA where the stars run teams. Martinez is the boss and everybody has to follow the rules.

However, by giving Martinez a longer deal, the Nats made it clear about Washington’s focus for the near-future. One where everyone hopes Harper remains a strong part of.

Younger than Baker by 15 years, the hope is the two carry more in common and can build a strong relationship. Harper’s buddy Kris Bryant knows Martinez well from their time together with the Chicago Cubs. No question the two compared notes.

How well Harper and Martinez work together goes a long way establishing what the superstar does after 2018. The less we hear about it the better. There are other factors in whatever Harper decides, but a solid working relationship between the two is important.

SMOOTH OVER TANNER ROARK

One of the biggest surprises of the playoffs was Tanner Roark not pitching.

After the original Game 4 was rained out, Baker was correct going with Stephen Strasburg with the season on the line. How that start was handled, along with Roark not pitching in Game 5 with a fresh arm, is subject to debate.

You cannot blame Roark if he is upset. A strong second-half of 2017 deserved playoff baseball. With a 7-5 record down the stretch, and a WHIP of 1.190, to bungle his usage is mystifying.

At 31, he may be professional enough to understand these things happen. Still, it is important for Martinez to sit him down and reassure Roark he is an important part of the 2018 Nats team.

This was a year Roark would like to forget. The World Baseball Classic experience threw off his timing, and he struggled the first half.

Unless Washington signs a top pitcher in free agency or scores one in a trade, Roark has an important role this year. Depending on Gio Gonzalez, a strong Roark can be a solid three pitcher who can be a two in case of injury.

Martinez must reassure Roark of his importance and soothe and bad feeling from last year. When pitchers and catchers report West Palm Beach, everybody needs to be on the same page.

CHANNEL HIS INNER AGATHA CHRISTIE

Martinez’s greatest challenge is finding the missing playoff piece.

Until he gets the Nats on the field, Martinez can pour over the volumes of data from the last two years and watch endless game video. His ability to understand analytics is important, but whatever he can glean from numbers must be reinforced with his eyes and instincts.

Because Washington is a successful regular season club, there is little to change. Perhaps, Martinez can spot subtle changes we cannot and work them into shape in West Palm Beach.

It is a task that will remain a mystery until next October, but the reason Martinez is here is solving the playoff problem. With the NL East figuring to remain weak, whatever he learns will get limited practice over the regular season.

Watch what he says as the off-season moves along. If he gets to specific changes in interviews, then he has done his homework.

As with the other managers, pinpointing the problem is difficult. Baker and Matt Williams approached the game in different ways, but got the same results. Although impossible to guess at what those changes are, they will come.

Martinez’s words carry tremendous impact. Read them carefully.

LOVE THE FANS

Perhaps Martinez’s hardest immediate challenge is convincing the fans he is the right person for the job.

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It is hard to replace a legendary personality. Yet, Martinez gets the honor of taking over from one of the most beloved people in Major League Baseball. Washington fans might differ on Baker but, within the game, you are hard pressed to find people ragging on him.

Martinez has the difficult task of reassuring Baker’s fans the club is in solid shape while handling his strongest detractors. Because Baker held a tight lid on the clubhouse, any dirty laundry never hit the press. The same policy must continue.

But, Martinez has to tell people he is different. When fans directly ask him over the winter, there needs to be a strong answer.

Whether Martinez embraces certain charities or chats up every talk show in town, he must establish himself as a likable guy who can guide Washington to a World Series. (Good luck.)

He must embrace the expectations from fans and feel the pressure above to win. A tall order for any skipper, let alone a first-time one. Yet, years of experience taught Martinez well.

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How he uses that goes a long way into future success. A good relationship with fans provides cover for when things go wrong. And, you now they will.

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