The Washington Nationals were the most disappointing team in the MLB this season. They fired manager Matt Williams at season's end and rumors over the past week suggested their next choice was down to two candidates.
And now the latest rumors find they have made their selection.
The Nationals are expected to name Bud Black as the team's next manager, according to James Wagner of the Washington Post. However, it's unknown when an official announcement will be made.
"The Nationals have not announced Black's expected hiring as Major League Baseball frowns upon teams making major announcements during the World Series," Wagner added.
"Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo could not be reached for comment."
I have confirmed that Bud Black is the new manager of the #Nationals. Great move by the Nationals. @JamesWagnerWP first. #Nats #MLB
— William Ladson (@washingnats) October 29, 2015
bud black has been hired as nationals manager. done deal, sources say. @JamesWagnerWP on this.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) October 29, 2015
Black is expected to become the sixth manager in franchise history after apparently having beat out Dusty Baker for the job. The 58-year-old served as manager for the San Diego Padres for the past nine seasons before being fired in the middle of 2015 after a 32-33 start.
Black compiled a 649-713 record and had only two winning seasons in San Diego. He won NL Manager of the Year in 2010, but the Padres never clinched the NL West under his tenure and they only finished in second place once.
However, he's known for his superb communication skills, which was a primary characteristic Rizzo was searching for during the interview process. Williams was said to have not been open about various issues and that was believed to have created an insurmountable divide in the locker room.
Black will also have much more talent to work with, as opposed to the dismal Padres who haven't made the postseason since 2006 when Bruce Bochy was manager. The best player to have gone through San Diego since then was Adrian Gonzalez, and the team traded him to the Boston Red Sox before the 2011 season.
The team's top players post-Gonzalez have been Cameron Maybin, Chase Headley, Chris Denorfia, Seth Smith and Justin Upton (in terms of WAR).
Black will inherit the soon-to-be NL MVP Bryce Harper, who will likely be the best player he's ever managed.
Stay tuned for an official announcement from the Nationals.
