Just like that, it’s looking like three managerial openings are closing.
According to multiple reports, it didn’t take long for departed Dodgers manager Don Mattingly to get a new job: he’ll be next manager to be unfairly fired in Miami. I half-joke there about the firing, but it does seem like managers don’t have a lot of success lasting too long under the current Marlins administration. Perhaps Mattingly’s gravitas will help a little, but I just don’t trust anything down there these days. At least Mattingly will have a lot of young talent to work with.
As for the Dodgers, they’re still in the process of finding their next manager – there seem to be new names tossed out every day, though Gabe Kapler is the most common. I’ve seen Dave Martinez mentioned in speculative passing from time to time, but nothing concrete.
One name that had been connected to the Dodgers will not be connected there anymore:
The Nats intend to hire Bud Black as their next manager. https://t.co/Lb3l7P5g5t
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) October 29, 2015
Black seems to be an excellent hire for the Nationals, who did not find what they were looking for in the less-experienced Matt Williams. Dusty Baker was the other finalist for the gig.
It’ll be interesting to see if Black reunites with his former San Diego bench coach, Rick Renteria, who has not yet chosen his next job since being let go by the Cubs at the end of the 2014 season.
Meanwhile, Black’s former job in San Diego will reportedly be filled either by former Twins manager Ron Gardenhire or Pirates third base coach (and former minor league manager) Rick Sofield.
None of these moves will be officially announced while the World Series is still ongoing.