The Washington Nationals have reached an agreement with Dusty Baker to make him the team’s next manager.
After reports surfaced Monday night indicating contract discussions had broken down between the Nationals and former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black, the team turned its attention to Baker. Black was reportedly not pleased with Washington only offering him a two-year deal.
The Nationals were determined to hire a manager with experience after Matt Williams, who had never managed before, underachieved with a roster many believed had World Series potential.
Baker is seen as a players’ manager and a great clubhouse presence, and there has been talk in the past that he is too friendly with his teams. But given some of the things that happened between Nationals players last season (like this embarrassing dugout fight on live television), you can understand why the Nats wanted to hire someone with a decent history of both keeping the peace and winning.
Some will argue that the game has passed the 66-year-old Baker by, and we are already hearing moans and groans about the Nationals low-balling Black. One thing is for certain — Washington has the talent needed to win right now. If Baker can pull some of the right strings and keep the team chemistry in order, he should find success.
