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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Rosenthal: Source: Valentine a finalist to be Nats manager

The Nationals, down to two finalists for their managerial vacancy, expect to make a decision by the end of the week, general manager Mike Rizzo said Monday night.

Interim manager Jim Riggleman is one of the finalists, Rizzo said. Bobby Valentine is the other, according to a major-league source, but Rizzo declined to specify the identity of his other candidate.

The Nationals, continuing the restructuring of their front office, have hired Bryan Minnitti, the Pirates’ director of baseball operations, as Rizzo’s assistant GM.

The managerial opening, however, remains the team’s largest piece of unfinished off-field business. Riggleman appears to be the favorite.

The Nationals went 33-42 under Riggleman last season after starting 26-61 under Manny Acta. Riggleman also would work for less pay than Valentine, and Nationals ownership is believed to prefer an inexpensive manager.

Repoz Posted: November 10, 2009 at 12:48 PM | 9 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: nationals

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1. Best Regards, Larry M. Posted: November 10, 2009 at 02:16 PM (#3383897)

Oh, good. More dumb decisions by the Nats.

2. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: November 10, 2009 at 03:18 PM (#3383926)

Why would hiring Valentine be dumb? I really don't know anything about the man, other than he's mildly saber-friendly or something.

3. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: November 10, 2009 at 03:21 PM (#3383931)

Riggleman also would work for less pay than Valentine

If I'm applying for this job, that's what I put at the top of my resume.

4. Best Regards, Larry M. Posted: November 10, 2009 at 03:21 PM (#3383932)

Why would hiring Valentine be dumb?

The managerial opening, however, remains the team’s largest piece of unfinished off-field business. Riggleman appears to be the favorite.

5. bunyon Posted: November 10, 2009 at 03:29 PM (#3383935)

Is Bobby V asking for a pile of cash or does he not interview well or what? He keeps being on the list and then teams run away from him. Weird.

6. TerpNats Posted: November 10, 2009 at 03:29 PM (#3383936)

I could live with either one, as by the time the Nats are ready to be a contender (about mid-decade, I hope), they'll be under the guidance of a new manager. Both have the ability to improve the Nats to the point where they'll be ready for a successor to take over. Valentine would add more pizzazz -- particularly to a baseball market that needs it desperately -- but Riggleman, while no genius, can get the job done, plus he's local.

I'm simply happy Dusty Baker isn't a candidate, not with all these young arms in the organization. (Oh, and perhaps the hiring of the Pirates' director of baseball operations is supposed to give Rizzo advice on how not to rebuild.)

7. BringBackTimTeufel Posted: November 10, 2009 at 07:24 PM (#3384137)

If I'm applying for this job, that's what I put at the top of my resume.

I will manage the Nationals for $50 next year. Send that to Rizzo. But don't tell him my MLB 2010 team has won 3 straight World Series, or he might think I'm sending Rubin after his job.

8. Chris Needham Posted: November 10, 2009 at 07:41 PM (#3384151)

I had read previously that the Nats weren't interested (shocker) in spending a lot of money on their manager. Point, Riggles.

9. SoSH U at work Posted: November 10, 2009 at 07:46 PM (#3384158)

Is Bobby V asking for a pile of cash or does he not interview well or what? He keeps being on the list and then teams run away from him. Weird.

He needs to take Jeff K. off his list of references.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Rosenthal: Source: Valentine a finalist to be Nats manager

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