Nationals player on clubhouse: It is a ‘terrible environment’
The Washington Nationals’ hopes of reaching the postseason came to an official end on Saturday when the New York Mets clinched the NL East with a win. The Nats were predicted to be one of the best teams in baseball and a surefire World Series contender. Yet the team got off to a poor start while the Mets caught fire, and the cards never seemed to turn in Washington’s favor. Now manager Matt Williams is the target of a lot of blame for the poor season.
The Washington Post’s Barry Svrluga indicated in a Saturday article that players don’t have much faith in Williams’ ability to lead the team. One player was even quoted as saying “it’s a terrible environment.”
Via The Post:
Now, several Nationals players believe Williams won’t be able to grow even if the club brings him back for 2016. And this isn’t just one or two malcontents. These opinions span positions and experience. “It’s a terrible environment,” one player said. “And the amazing part is everybody feels that way.”
A year after leading the Nats to a 96-win season and first-round playoff exit, Williams may end up fired for missing the postseason, and quotes like that don’t help.
Don’t think that GM Mike Rizzo, who declined to give Williams a vote of confidence earlier in the week, won’t notice that. Quite frankly, there is evidence that the fans want the manager out, too.
