The Los Angeles Angels have just announced the appointment of Ron Washington as roster manager this afternoon.
He therefore beats Buck Showalter and the other finalists to have the chance to direct Mike Trout.
He becomes the fifth manager to be hired elsewhere this fall. Bob Melvin (San Francisco), Stephen Vogt (Cleveland), Carlos Mendoza (New York, Mets) and Craig Counsell (Chicago, Cubs) are the others.
The Padres, Brewers and Astros are the other teams without a manager. We’re talking about three teams that haven’t fired their last manager, ironically.
But OK. Back on topic.
Ron Washington was the Braves’ third base coach for seven years. He held the same role in Oakland before and after his only stint as manager, with the Rangers.
From 2007 to 2014, he was the manager of Texas. He went to the World Series twice (2010, 2011) without ever winning it. He won it in 2021, but not as manager.
I wonder how much seeing Brian Snitker, Dusty Baker and Bruce Bochy win the last three World Series titles pushed Anaheim to take a veteran.
When you think about it, if that’s the case, Washington is the ideal candidate. He’s a veteran, but he’s not asking for the moon: he just wanted a chance.
Basically, he wanted the job in Houston, or so they say.
But since the position in Anaheim was not initially attractive (instability at the GM, who is at the end of his contract, and the team is poor), giving Washington two years was the right thing to do.
Washington is a hard-working, defensive master who is adored by his players. I wonder what the free agents think about this… including Shohei Ohtani.
- The Yankees want several outfielders.
- Hyun-Jin Ryu is in demand.
