I’ll preamble this again, just in case you’re wondering why we track these things: the Chicago Cubs are loaded with talent, not only on the field, but off of it. Thus, when managerial or front office openings pop up, there’s a chance that the Cubs’ many up-and-comers could be implicated.
In an very unsurprising, and earned move, the Washington Nationals have fired manager Matt Williams after two years. Last year, for reasons that surpass understanding, Williams was named the NL Manager of the Year. His team was good, I guess, even as so many of his decisions were head-scratchers. In a season of huge disappointment, then, those head-scratchers – which continued – have led to his ouster.
Something tells me we’re going to see an end to the trend over the last few years of hiring managers without significant previous coaching and/or managerial experience.
The Nationals will begin looking for a new manager.
Meanwhile, out in Anaheim, the Angels have their new GM: former Yankees assistant Billy Eppler. For now, Eppler will be a direct report to owner Arte Moreno, and he’ll have to try and work out that delicate situation where you have a hands-on owner and a rock star manager.