Before stating the case for completely erasing the entire Washington Nationals front office, coaching staff and 50 percent of what will eventually be the 25-man roster, let me say that I have always liked Manny Acta. He’s a good guy, great communicator and a genuinely nice fellow.
That said, it’s time for a radical shift in the way the moribund Washington Nationals do business.
General Manager Jim Bowden resigned his position this past week, not because he is way too obsessed with Wily Mo Pena, but because he has presided over a front office with no accountability and very little success.
Though a pleasant fellow, Acta’s team has lost nearly 200 games in the last two seasons, and this season figures to be more of the same. So why wait?
As soon as he can, caretaker Stan Kasten should call convince Bobby Valentine to be the GM, hire Davey Johnson to his manager. Tab Orel Hershiser, Barry Larkin, Mike Schmidt, Gary Carter and Wally Backman as his lieutenants, and start building a foundation that has perspective and embraces the future at the same time.
Believe it or not, Bobby and Davey have a relationship that goes back 20-plus years, and if there’s anyone who Davey could (finally) co-exist with as a GM, it’s Bobby. Also, though Bobby might still want to be a field manager, giving him the power chair to rebuild an entire franchise without interference from suits who think they’re baseball people would be an enticement, Mix in field personnel that he respects and trusts, and you might have something there.
A manager that has transformed several franchises, a coaching staff with each member wearing a World Series ring, and General Manager that not only knows how to win, but can do so by being creative and has international appeal?
I say, thanks Manny, but I’m sure the Mets have something for you. Maybe even by the All-Star break.
Topics: Barry Larkin, Davey Johnson, Jim Bowden, Mike Schmidt, Orel Hershiser, Wally Backman
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I was on Yahoo and found your blog. Read a few of your other posts. Good work. I am looking forward to reading more from you in the future.
Tom Stanley
LOVE THIS IDEA!!! when does it start? Unfortunately the nats can not get bobby valentine until after his contract expires with the Japanese club at the end of the season without buying him out. Not sure how that would with the far east club.