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
Latest Headlines
- The Dangerous Allure Of The Trade Deadline
- Victorino Goes Down, Brown Comes Up
- The True Measure Of Greatness
- The Possible Trade Ripple
- Phils Season Has Been An Epidemic
- Pinstripe Recap: The Bombers Offense Explodes For Four Wins
- U.S.A. Undefeated As IBAF World Junior Baseball Championship Heads To Round of Eight
- Dodgers Get Podsednik For Two Minor Leaguers
- Numbers of “The Beast”
- Virtual Ballpark Helps Fans “Stand Up To Cancer”
- Garza And Rays Experience Joy Of No-Hitter
- Manuel Deserves To Finish The Season
- Staten Island Yankees to Host NY-Penn All Star Game
- Cardinal Players Have To Earn Their Playing Time
- A Mariner Week in Review: Fun Baseball and Some Fighting
In The News
Padres Recap – Braves and Buccos
The Padres are quietly putting together a solid season, did it continue this week?
The Week That Was: Just When You Thought It Was Safe
The Phillies came to Busch prior to a trip to the Windy City for the Redbirds. Take a look at the results of a busy week for the Cardinals.
Baseball Digest LIVE: Meet the Real Joe Black
We have an all star lineup
A Glove of Their Own: A Grand Slam On and Off the Field
Bob Salomon is a name you will be hearing about. He is using the concept of children participating in sports as the vehicle to communicate his all encompassing goal of giving back
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.