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Nationals name Dusty Baker new manager after late-night drama in D.C.

After reports surfaced last week that Bud Black would become the Washington Nationals' new manager, things fell apart when it came to negotiate and this morning, Dusty Baker was announced as the sixth full-time Nats' skipper. Shocking.

By Patrick Reddington
Greg Fiume/Getty Images

After negotiations with Bud Black reportedly broke down when it came time to discuss the terms of his deal with the Washington Nationals, the Nats turned back to veteran skipper Dusty Baker and this morning they announced that Baker will indeed become the sixth full-time manager since baseball's return to the nation's capital in 2005.

Reports last week, since confirmed by multiple media outlets, said Black was offered the job, but balked at the terms that were offered.

Baker, who was a finalist for the opening, and the Nationals, were apparently able to work something out, because the Nats announced a multi-year deal with the 66-year-old skipper this morning.

"We were looking for a manager to help us achieve our ultimate goal of competing for a World Series championship," Theodore N. Lerner, Managing Principal Owner of the Nationals said in a press release this morning.

"During our broad search process we met with many qualified candidates, and ultimately it was clear that Dusty’s deep experience was the best fit for our ballclub."

​"I am so pleased to welcome Dusty Baker to the Nationals family," Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo added in the release.

"In getting to know Dusty and identifying what we wanted in the next on-field leader of our team, we are excited to have him on board.

"Dusty’s experience, as a winning player, coach, and manager, is vast and varied. We are excited to bring him to Washington and put his steady demeanor, knowledge and many years in the game to work in our favor. I think I speak for the entire organization when I say I am very much looking forward to working with him."

Baker, 66, a twenty-year veteran on the bench, and a three-time NL Manager of the Year during his previous stints with the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds, brings the experience the Nationals were looking for in a manager after they relieved second-year skipper Matt Williams of his duties on the bench at the end of a disappointing 2015 campaign.

More information on the deal with the Nationals' new manager when it is available...

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