Veteran managers Ron Gardenhire and Dusty Baker are interested in the Nationals’ managerial vacancy, reports James Wagner of the Washington Post. Wagner spoke to agent John Boggs, who represents Gardenhire, about the fit. “I would think Ron would definitely be interested in the Nats job,” said Boggs. “It’s a very attractive job and city, and a good team. What’s not to like? For someone wanting to get back into managing, it’s a great opportunity.” Boggs told Wagner that the 57-year-old Gardenhire has been rejuvenated by a year away from the game and is “very open” to finding a new managing opportunity. Baker himself spoke to Wagner over the phone and confirmed his interest, although as he notes, the interest needs to be mutual. While Baker’s been connected to the Marlins in multiple reports, he told Wagner he has not been contacted by Miami.
Here’s more from the NL East…
- Braves infielder Hector Olivera will play about six weeks of winter ball in Puerto Rico this offseason, writes David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. While there, he’ll spend time working with Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer and minor league infield coordinator Luis Lopez. O’Brien notes that the Braves aren’t sweating a lackluster performance in a tiny sample of 87 plate appearances. And while his defense at third looked shaky, GM John Coppolella said there’s no current plan to move him to the outfield, as the team will evaluate his glove at third in winter ball. O’Brien notes that Olivera is still adjusting to third base after playing a good deal of second base in Cuba.
- The Marlins announced today that they have promoted director of pro scouting Jeff McAvoy to vice president of player personnel. Additionally, director of player development Brian Chattin has been promoted to assistant general manager, and assistant director of pro scouting David Keller has shed the “assistant” from his title and will assume McAvoy’s former role. Changes in the front office were reported to be on the horizon on Sunday, though the exact way in which titles would change wasn’t known publicly until today.
- On a smaller Marlins note, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports (via Twitter) that the club would like to upgrade its analytics department this winter.
Dusty really needs the job. He completely ran out toothpicks.
The Marlins don’t need Dusty, their pitchers have plenty of injuries already..
Ron Washington would be such a good fit for the Nationals. He’s been to the big dance, good with players and is the kind of guy DC would love.
In related news, I am available for an analytics job. WINK.
hehehe.
I kinda figured Olivera wasn’t going to be nothing more than stop gap at third at best. Probably utility role is the best bet as long as he can stay healthy enough to produce with the bat.
I’m guessing that they want him to be useful for 3-4 years…after that it seems like they should have at least one potential long term replacement.
They’ll ride HO until Miggy Jr. Kevin Maitan is ready
Big fan of Gardenhire, great balance of grit and approachability, hope he gets another shot soon. Best of luck to Gardy.
Just a quick correction. According to Baseball-Reference Olivera never played third base competitively until this year and has 48 total games there. The move isn’t easy as the angles are different and third is largely a reaction time related position. He was a good 2b and should make the transition in the end.
They should fire the GM no manager could win with the team they have given him to work with unless they were in triple A.