WASHINGTON — Welcome to the offseason.
It got off to a dramatic start for the Nationals with the firing of manager Matt Williams and his entire coaching staff Monday. The move comes just one season after Williams was voted National League Manager of the Year when his team won 96 games. However, 2015 brought just 83 victories. Did he really lose the team that quickly? Was there a communications breakdown? Did he handle the bullpen terribly? Apparently, yes and yes.
And that’s surprising.
Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo brought Williams in because he felt the team needed more discipline and organization after Davey Johnson’s laid-back approach. Williams’ style was greatly hailed at spring training last year. However, doubt may have crept in on his game-handling skills with the playoff loss to the Giants. Then, numerous injuries and 23 blown saves this year left little room for error.
The Nats can’t make an error on their next managerial choice. The team is built to win now and needs an experienced skipper to lead it. Former Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire would be a great choice.
Despite a hugely disappointing season, this is still a very good team. Max Scherzer threw two no-hitters and Stephen Strasburg dominated the last month of the season, while Bryce Harper put up an MVP campaign.
But will they really let their homegrown free agents walk?
Ian Desmond has to be regretting that he turned down a 7-year, $107-million offer in 2013. If the Nationals have a captain, it was Desi. He’s the heart and soul of the clubhouse.
Jordan Zimmermann is one of the most consistent pitchers in the game. Solid. However, he seems set on pitching closer to his native Wisconsin. I could see him with the Cubs, Brewers, Twins, White Sox, Tigers or (hopefully not) the Cardinals.
We’ve seen the many successes and the few, but painful failures of Drew Storen. Does he need a change of scenery? He’s still very effective, but if Jonathan Papelbon returns next year, Storen most likely will not, unless he can accept a setup role. He won’t be the closer if Papelbon is back.
Michael Taylor is a superb defensive outfielder and has been a clutch hitter, but I’m not sure he’s an everyday player. Right now, he’s not as good as Denard Span. That’s why the Nats should bring Span back. As they’ve seen with injuries in recent years, they need at least four outfielders. Taylor would still get plenty of playing time.
Another decision by the Nationals: What to do with Yunel Escobar? He had a career year, and at age 32, this would be the ideal time to trade him. His $7 million salary could go to Desmond if they decide to keep him. The Nats already have Trea Turner and Danny Espinosa to play the infield and want to move Anthony Rendon back to third. So, trading Escobar for much-needed bullpen help may be the way to go.
Whichever way the Nationals go should make for a busy and entertaining offseason, one they haven’t experienced in quite a while. But, as they’re unfortunately finding out, things can change quickly in baseball.
Last year, the Nationals, Orioles, Tigers and A’s were all division winners. In 2015, they’ll be home watching the playoffs.
