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Wire Taps: Reactions to Bud Black as Washington Nationals' new manager

The baseball world reacted to the news that the Washington Nationals are expected to name Bud Black their new manager once the World Series ends. Plenty of glowing reports out there on the Nats' new skipper. Links + more...

By Patrick Reddington

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Greg Fiume/Getty Images

So can the New York Mets get back into the World Series after dropping the first two games in Kansas City? Can the AL champion Royals take a commanding 3-0 lead tonight in Game 3 in Citi Field? Have the Mets' young-ish pitchers finally hit the proverbial wall? Can Yoenis Cespedes step up and lead the Mets to victory? Did you see the story yesterday that says Ian Desmond's a target for the Mets? Let's go Royals? But enough about the World Series, there was actual Nats-related news in the last two days, so it's time for everyone to catch up if you haven't been following the Twitter and the internets closely. All the Nationals links we could find all in one place... and it all starts... RIGHT NOW!!!:

NATS BEAT: Everyone loves Bud Black! Bullpen situation + more...

• "With hindsight, the Nats should have hired a Bud Black type — a proven competent big league manager who wouldn’t mess up a pat hand — two years ago." - "In Bud Black, Nationals get exactly what they were looking for: experience" - Thomas Boswell, The Washington Post

• "The Nationals plan to name Bud Black their next manager, a source familiar with the decision confirmed Wednesday night..." - "Source: Nats to name Black new manager" - Mark Zuckerman, CSN Mid-Atlantic

• "The Nationals will name Bud Black their sixth full-time manager, replacing Matt Williams, according to a baseball source. The club has not yet confirmed the report." - "Bud Black set to become Nationals manager" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com

• "A California-born lefthander, Black, 58, won 121 games pitching for six teams from 1981 to 1995, including the Kansas City Royals, with whom he won the World Series in 1985." - "Nationals' choice Bud Black understands managing is 'about the team'" - Thom Loverro, Washington Times

• "Another potential option for bench coach is former Brewers manager Ron Roenicke, a former outfielder and friend of Black’s from their time together with the Angels." - "What’s next after the Nationals’ hiring of Bud Black" - James Wagner, The Washington Post

• "'I think actually one of the criticisms of him is he's not offense-centric enough,' Lin continued. 'He's focused on pitching a little more than offense for obvious reasons. The pitcher's love that.'" - "Padres scribe on Bud Black as a manager: 'Players do like him'" - Byron Kerr, MASNSports.com

• "'I think Rizzo’s ego would never allow him to hire a guy who would be a bigger star than he is,' Feinstein said of the Nationals potentially hiring Ripken." - "Feinstein: Rizzo Was Never Going to Hire Ripken" - CBS DC

• "The internal idea is that baseball operations should spend roughly $175 million annually, but it doesn’t all have to be on payroll." - "Hiring Bud Black is a big move. It can’t be the Nationals’ only move" - Barry Svrluga, The Washington Post

"Given the way things played out following the Papelbon trade — this on the heels of the Rafael Soriano signing in 2013 — Storen might well have seen his time in D.C. come to an end." -"Nationals Pastime: Report: Bud Black to be hired as Nationals' next manager" - Chris Johnson, MASNSports.com

• "After learning that Bud Black will be named the sixth full-time manager in Nationals history, Heath Bell, Tony Gwynn Jr. and Scott Hairston have nothing but good things to say about him." - "Bud Black gets praise from his former players" - Bill Ladson, MLB.com

• "If Black can get the Nationals to play to their potential in runs scored and allowed, it should be a solid year for Washington." - "Bud Black’s managerial style could lead the Nats to more victories" - Neil Greenberg, The Washington Post

• "Black will be working for a general manager, Mike Rizzo, who will sort through a laundry list of needs over the next few weeks and deliver a roster that will excite him." - "Bud Black a good fit as Nationals manager" - Richard Justice, MLB.com

• "Drew Storen could be traded. Jonathan Papelbon will be … who knows? Shot into the sun, maybe?" - "Five pivotal factors that will determine success of Bud Black as Nationals’ manager" - Adam Kilgore, The Washington Post

Non-Bud Black Nats, Gold Glove stories: Ramos and Harper get noms

• "According to Stats Inc., Harper ranked third among NL outfielders in range factor per nine innings (2.07) and putouts per nine (2.01)." - "Bryce Harper, Wilson Ramos up for Gold Glove" - Bill Ladson, nationals.com

• "Given the way things played out following the Papelbon trade — this on the heels of the Rafael Soriano signing in 2013 — Storen might well have seen his time in D.C. come to an end." - "Nationals roster review: Drew Storen" - Mark Zuckerman, CSN Mid-Atlantic

NATIONAL(S) BEAT: Manager talk, Desi to NYM? Please no...

• "It isn't known yet whether the Reds will trade star closer Aroldis Chapman (the guess here is yes), but if they do, the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays and Nationals are expected to be at the forefront of the talks." - "Inside Baseball: Humble Moore takes unusual route to become top GM" - Jon Heyman, CBSSports.com

• "After an embarrassing collapse under Williams, it was important for Washington to hire a manager with experience." - "Report: Nationals expected to hire Bud Black as their next manager" - Chris Cwik, Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports

• "Pitching coach Darren Balsley and bench coach Dave Roberts are among the candidates to join Black, who is expected to be named the Washington Nationals’ new manager." - "Ron Gardenhire, Rick Sofield finalists for Padres manager" - Dennis Lin, SanDiegoUnionTribune.com

• "Many think the Mets will be serious players for free-agent shortstop Ian Desmond. The Mariners, Padres, White Sox, Twins and others could also be in the Desmond market." - "Inside Baseball: What Mets need to do to win World Series; more MLB notes" - Jon Heyman, CBSSports.com

• "Bud Black might not be the sexiest managerial hire, but he’s exactly what the Washington Nationals need." - "Bud Black brings Washington Nationals what Matt Williams lacked" - Eddie Matz, Washington Nationals - ESPN

• "By contrast, Black has a depth of experience, is respected throughout the game and is known for his ability to communicate with players and for his handling of pitching staffs." - "Don Mattingly, Bud Black, Andy Green get new manager gigs" - Jay Jaffe, SI.com

• "Baker, 66, a three-time National League manager of the Year award winner, finished runner-up for the Washington Nationals’ job, which went to Bud Black." - "As jobs pass them by, minority MLB managers on wrong side of 'buddy system'" - Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports

NL EAST UPDATES: Phillies in review; Simmons GG again; Dan Jennings fired twice

• Phillies: "Hernandez reaching this point in his career with a Phillies "P" still on his cap was far from a given." - "2015 Phillies Report Card: Cesar Hernandez" - Corinne Landrey, Crashburn Alley

• Marlins: "During the 2015 season, Dan Jennings served as both the Miami Marlins' general manager and their field manager. In 2016, he'll be neither." - "Marlins fire Dan Jennings for second time this month — now from GM job" - Mike Oz, Big League Stew - Yahoo Sports

• Mets: "Syndergaard is easily one of the most exciting pitchers in baseball, and likely has the highest upside of the Mets’ harem of promising, young starting pitchers." - "Noah Syndergaard’s Comps Imply Ace Potential"- Chris Mitchell, FanGraphs Baseball

• Braves: "Simmons led all NL shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved (25), Ultimate Zone Rating (17.3) and Fangraphs' Defensive Runs Above Average (23.9)..." - "Braves' Simmons finalist for Gold Glove Award" - Mark Bowman, braves.com

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