Washington Nationals: 4 Dave Martinez goals this off-season
By Ron Juckett
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.