Report: Nationals to name ex-Padres manager Bud Black to same position
The Washington Nationals will reportedly hire Bud Black as their new manager.
The Washington Post reports the Nationals intend to hire Black, but the club has not announced it because MLB prefers teams not to make major announcements during the World Series.
Black, 58, was fired as Padres manager in the middle of this season, his ninth with the team, after a 32–33 start. Known for his laid-back style, Black would replace Matt Williams, who was fired Oct. 4 and whose inability to control the clubhouse as the Nationals spiraled out of contention in the season’s final stretch was heavily reported on.
Black owns a 649–713 career managerial record and has never managed a team to the playoffs. He was named the NL manager of the year in 2010, and was formerly the Angels’ pitching coach for seven years, including ’02, when the team won a title.
The Post reports the Nationals’ search came down to Black and former Giants and Cubs manager Dusty Baker.
Washington finished 83–79, second in the NL East, and missed the playoffs.
- Jeremy Woo
