MLB.com's Brian McTaggart is reporting, in an article entitled, "Acta among Astros' managerial hopefuls", that former DC Skipper Manny Acta, "acknowledged via email Friday," that, "...he has been contact(ed) by the Astros about their vacant managerial position." 158-252 in two+ years at the helm in Washington, Acta was relieved of his duties after getting the Nationals off to a 26-61 record this season. After playing six seasons in the Houston organization, Acta became a coach with the Astros before former Montreal and Washington Manager Frank Robinson hired him as a third base coach with the Expos in 2002. From there Acta went on to coach third base with the New York Mets before being hired by the Washington Nationals in late 2006. According to Mr. McTaggart's article, "The Astros have about 10 names on their initial list of candidates, with interim manager Dave Clark the only candidate the club has disclosed to the public." Make that two of ten.
Who'll be the first candidate to interview with DC?
ESPN.com's Buster Olney tried to convince everyone last Sunday, in an article entitled, "Cleveland, Washington should consider Valentine", that Bobby Valentine was the perfect fit for the Nationals and the nation's capital. (ed. note - "Sorry, Insiders Only.")..but the gist of Olney's argument is that Valentine's great with the media and public and over his career has developed an appreciation of the importance of pitching that's perfectly suited to the team and franchise the Nationals have been building...ESPN had to give Valentine an "out-clause", right?