The Angels are interviewing Braves third base coach Ron Washington tonight as they continue their managerial search, reports Sam Blum of the Athletic (X link). Jon Heyman of the New York Post indicated yesterday that Washington was on the Halos’ radar.
Washington continues to search for his first lead job since he resigned from the Rangers late in the 2014 season. The former infielder had led the dugout in Arlington for parts of eight years, rattling off four straight 90-win campaigns along the way. Washington’s Rangers won consecutive American League pennants in 2010-11 before falling short in the World Series.
The 71-year-old has spent the last seven years in Atlanta, where he has drawn particular praise for his work with the club’s infield. The early portion of Washington’s time on Brian Snitker’s staff overlapped with Perry Minasian’s time as an assistant general manager in Atlanta. Minasian is going into his fourth offseason at the helm of the Angels front office, with his next hire representing the third managerial hire of that time.
Heyman suggested yesterday that owner Arte Moreno was prioritizing previous managerial experience in this hiring search. Minasian told reporters this afternoon that the Halos were seeking a skipper who can “command a room” but left open the possibility of a first-time hire (link via Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register).
TJECK109
Unless you are like the astros were when they brought in dusty I have no idea why you have any interest in a 71 year old manager. And the angels are no where close
Beff Jagwell
@TJECK109 the Astros really did benefit from Dusty’s personality through the scandal, but his actual managing was awful. Especially this season. I, for one, feel a lot of his poor management was due to his age. At some point, teams need to realize that the wise old man may not be the best bet.
Not sure why on earth the Angels, or any team, is interested in Washington as a head coach.
richardc
Because Ron Washington is a player’s coach. They’ll run through a wall for that man, ask anyone in Atlanta.
Not only that, Wash is also an excellent defensive coach, and he would instantly help the Angels infield defense.
As long as Wash hired a solid pitching coach, I think he’d be an excellent hire, and truly believe any team would be lucky to have him.
Even at his age, Wash relates extremely well with the younger players both American born and foreign players which is a necessary trait in today’s baseball landscape.
oldleftylong
Still clapping and jumping on the Jimmy Legs.
Sherm623
Nah. IMO, Dusty has always been a pretty bad manager. Good man. Seems like a great guy. Not so strong between the lines.
i like al conin
Yet Dusty is 7th in regular season wins and 4th in postseason wins all-time and going to the Hall of Fame.
BadNewsUnicorns
So what’s your definition of a “good” manager then? I’d really like to know.
Taking your teams to the playoffs 9 out of the last 10 years is bad? Being in the playoffs as a manager 50% of the seasons you managed is bad? Having entire rosters of players that would lay down their lives for you is bad? Only having guys like Tony LaRussa, Sparky Anderson, Bobby Cox, etc. ahead of you on the all time wins list…
And I’m not talking ancient history with Dusty. His teams made it to the playoffs 8 seasons in a row, including this year.
trout27
Basball has a manager not a “head coach”. You lose all credibility when you say that.
Last I checked Bruce Bochy did a pretty good job in Texas as a 65 year old. It won’t be easy for Minasian and Arte to find guys who are interested in working for a possible lame duck GM and a meddling owner. If Wash is interested in the job he should be interviewed and considered a leading candidate.
Groucho
LOL credibility – you guys all play fantasy sports
Beff Jagwell
Manager and head coach mean the same thing dipstick. Go change your tampon and make sure you wear your mask while driving alone.
Fred McGriff HR
TJECK109
Age discrimination is a thing in all walks of life, and on MLBTR by certain commenters.
Furthermore, his age should have zero to do in regard to the decision to hire him. Braves players love him for what he has taught them and his work ethic, plus the fact that he’s a good guy. There’s a reason why the Braves infield is excellent, it’s all to do with Ron Washington. Whilst you may think these things do not count, they do count.
I’d hate for the Braves to lose him, but since Snitker is still the Braves manager there is no place to put him, otherwise I’d love it if he was Braves manager.
richardc
Couldn’t agree more. Very well said.
Beff Jagwell
Oooohhh, he brought out the liberal big fun jargon “age discrimination.” Go join the other in changing your tampon. You libs are so easily triggered.
Fred McGriff HR
Beff Jagwell
Umm, you’re barking up the wrong tree there, dopey. But nevertheless, you can still be bigoted against older people and your elders, bigot.
Talking about being triggered, that’s you, right about now, It’s time for you to change your blouse.
Smacky
Bruce Bochy is 68. Is he good or nah?
mlb fan
Not all opportunity is good opportunity. Stay with the Braves and keep cashing those playoff and WS checks.
Fire Krall
cue the song “White Lines” by Grandmaster Funk..all.kidding aside. This is way over due. He deserves another shot.
steelerbravenation
Who is Grandmaster Funk there funny guy ???
steelerbravenation
Melle Mel sings White Lines
Gotta love comedians when they make themselves look stupid
Leave the man alone that was a long time ago
socalbball
Some of us are old enough to remember that when the records was originally released, it was credited to “Grandmaster & Melle Mel,” despite the fact that Grandmaster Flash had nothing to do with it. Some international releases were credited to “Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel.”
steelerbravenation
Yup well aware of Grandmaster Flash name being involved. Never understood that. But know I gotta find this Grandmaster Funk this dude is talkin about.
Side note go on YouTube & check out Kay Slay Rolling 200 video
200 MCs each with a verse paying homage to the late great DJ Kay Slay.
ddj05
Good for Ron! He deserves this after his previous poop ending.
JayRyder
Old Guys making a Comeback, Nice !!
dudeman40
I wish Washington all the best – but I wouldn’t wish Anaheim on him!
i like al conin
Why? We don’t know yet how they’ll craft the roster. A top 10 payroll and only 2 large contracts after 2025 means 2024 is a new year.
Halo11Fan
I think this team is going to figure out who’s who in 2024. In 2025 they can replace the “nots”.
But to have any chance, it’s going to have to completely rebuild the pen.
i like al conin
Yeah good points. That pen needs work.
prov356
I just read that Estevez is staying as our closer. So…
Halo11Fan
My hope is Showalter can make the clueless see reason.
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
Gene Mauch and Jim Fregosi might be available as well. Just gonna have to dig ’em up!
Beff Jagwell
Maybe they will consider Art Howe too!
brickhaus
Wow, they stupid.
Mack 11
Ron: too much baggage with the DRUG problems. Torii Hunter would be amazing!
mrb163
its doubtful any mlb team would ever give him a managers job after quitting on his team in texas
boblowlaw2
And why did he leave the Rangers again?
Rsox
Teaching Scott Hatteberg how to play First Base will prove far easier than getting this team to the playoffs
Thomar
Maybe he can teach one of the fans
Halo11Fan
Lots of trolls today. Don”t you children have anything better to do?
I’m always curious what kind of lowlife writes derogatory comments on other team’s threads.
Fortunately most people have class, but the ten to twenty percenters always pop their heads up to snipe.
J0hnnyRing04013
Couldn’t agree more. Some people just dont feel good about themselves, unless they’re chastising someone over a harmless and possibly unknown piece of information.
User 2079935927
If they hire Washington. They should hire Erstad as his bench coach. Mentor Erstad to take over as Manager.
Halo11Fan
Erstad needs a few stepping stones before he can become a manager. I’d love to see him as a bench coach.
Smacky
Pretty sure it a skin pigment thing with them.
Dumpster Divin Theo
For what it’s worth , the White Sox have hired your entire coaching staff: Wise, Thames and Butera as pitching coach, hitting coach , and catcher coach. Can they havd Mike Trout too plz? Asking for a friend
Beff Jagwell
Much like you posted numerous things about the Astros?
Dumpster Divin Theo
Ruh roh you made Astro fan angry. Don’t wanna see him angry
BaseballisLife
Looks like the Angels aren’t sold on Buck.
nukeg
I think bringing in Ron for an interview is to check a box.
prov356
I like Buck.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Uncle Buck
Mercenary.Freddie.Freeman
Ever watched the muppets? There used to be 2 old men muppets. Ron reminds me of that.
foppert1
MLB fandom reminds me of those guys !
MLB_Angel
Statler, “Where were you when the lights went off?” Waldorf, “In the dark where else!’
Judges,” ahahahaaahha!!!”
HalosHeavenJJ
Probably the best defensive coach in the game. I’d prefer him as a coach not a manager, but he dies being improved defense to the table.
bjhaas1977
Ronnie Bumps!
Reynaldo
Nobody cares about divisions; there’s only 30 of these jobs, and only a few openings at any one time.
i like al conin
Totally agree, Reynaldo. Not to mention Texas fired him, albeit for legit off-the-field reasons.
Deadguy
Yeah he quit to fix his life? In sports there is no “affinity” Wilson Contreras big loud mouth is a STL Cardinal? Wow… never did I ever see that day coming…
The Saber-toothed Superfife
If the Angels had any prospects, the Tigers could trade what’s his face……
aragon
I like it. At least, he won’yg
DanUgglasRing
I’m just here for the cocaine jokes.
CravenMoorehead
Don’t let Reynaldo see this because he’ll throw a hissy fit and report you 🙂
DanUgglasRing
Odd because it’s simply a fact that he had a cocaine problem and while I don’t personally want to make fun of him for that I 100% expect to see it every time he comes up.
acoss13
Twinkle would definitely go with the Angels motif, there’s a very sad history there with Skaggs and Hamilton…
sweetg
He must really want to manage again. This is last job anyone would want.. This team about to be an even worse train wreck.
acoss13
No offense Angels fans, but if you get Ron Washington to come manage your team, you should be thankful. That is not an enticing job, Moreno alone is enough to turn away people.
User 2079935927
Oh really who’s your team?
acoss13
My team is a dumpster fire too, the White Sox. I’d say it’s definitely below the Angels though, you guys have an actual GM that tries.
Halo11Fan
That’s interesting. With the trouble the Angels had with Hamilton and the Skaggs incident, I still am not sure Arte is willing to approve such a signing.
Angels & NL West
I was going to say the same thing. Feel like Arte has traditionally steared clear of players with checkered pasts.
johndietz
This is the absolute best case scenario for the Halos
sherrickc
I’m a fan of Wash…nice to see him back in the mix …Halos seem like a rough landing tho
Dumpster Divin Theo
Oh he good. He helped Pitt by teaching Andy to play first and the banjo which helped him become Star Lorde
oscar gamble
I would love to see Wash get another shot! At his age, he’s getting to now or never time.
bravesfan
I think every Braves fan and player would be truly sad if he leaves. Like really sad
inkstainedscribe
Yes. The only upside for the fans will be the on-camera interviews between innings when Wash drops a few f-bombs. Those will be classic.
prov356
I prefer Buck or Washington because of their experience. But we need to get someone soon so we can get to the business of building a team.
prov356
“Vote for Zach Neto for the Heart & Hustle Award,”
Are they inventing awards now just so everyone gets a trophy? Having a heart for baseball and showing hustle are both part of the job of a pro ball player. This is stupid.