Cheers & Jeers earlier looked at the Nationals’ rotation options for next season as well as possible infield changes. Let’s take a break from the field positions and check out a few candidates — new and old — to manage the team in 2010.
Jim Riggleman » There are reasons this makes sense — he knows the personnel already; he’s a local guy — but here’s a more cynical one: Why spend money on a bigger name when the team isn’t ready to compete? Along those lines, if the Nats find the next Manny Acta — a younger manager who wows them during the interview process — will that person have a chance to win before his seat heats up too?
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Don Mattingly » The Nats have been given permission to interview Donnie Baseball. But he’s in a tough spot. Does Mattingly stay in Los Angeles as Joe Torre‘s tenure winds down? He’d be the logical successor. Then again, his owners — the McCourts — are divorcing and Mattingly doesn’t really know who will do the hiring when Torre retires. If the Nats want him, they’ll have to put together a compelling pitch.
Bob Melvin » He managed the Arizona Diamondbacks when Nats GM Mike Rizzo still worked for that club. That connection should at least get Melvin an interview in Washington. He led Arizona to the NL West title and an NLCS berth in 2007, but was finally fired in May with a 12-17 record. Of course, his availability is up in the air. Melvin is a finalist in Houston.
