Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ manager search begins in earnest; Nats taking beating for decision on Dusty Baker...

The baseball world is not impressed with the Washington Nationals’ handling of the Dusty Baker situation, but that’s not too surprising. The fact that folks around the baseball world think the Nats’ brass is arrogant is well-established at this point, and regardless of how reality messes with that narrative, it’s taken hold. I mean, folks, as you’ll see, are still talking about the Stephen Strasburg shutdown as if it didn’t kind of work out for the pitcher and the team. (See: Game 4 of the 2017 NLDS... and his numbers in the last few seasons). There’s no convincing some folks. So, anyway, the search for Baker’s replacement is reportedly underway...

Astros bench coach Alex Cora is a hot managerial candidate and a fleeting presence during ALCS
"Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe tweeted Saturday morning that the Washington Nationals, whose manager’s job came open Friday when the team dismissed Dusty Baker, will also ask the Astros for permission to speak with Cora."

Washington Nationals begin manager search having eliminated any margin for error
"First of all, the Nationals have fostered no sense of managerial stability. They have won four division titles in six seasons with three different managers."

The Time To Move on From Dusty Baker Is Now
"Many people who derided his hiring instead of Bud Black just two short years ago — myself included — were very much won over by the charming skipper."

Nats' two-year managerial policy leaves them in a familiar place
"In a vacuum, what would have been the best managerial course of action for the Nationals? One more year."

Looking at some possible successors to Dusty Baker
"With Dusty Baker out as manager after leading the Nationals to back-to-back National League East titles and consecutive first-round playoff departures, one question is on the lips of Nats fans: Who’s next?"

Latest on the Nationals' Managerial Search
"A few other clubs began their managerial search well before the Nationals, and at least one option (Ron Gardenhire, now with the Tigers) is off the table."

Nationals Clumsy Firing Of Baker Embarrasses Organization
"So, the arrogance they showed by shutting down Stephen Strasburg in 2012 amid the expectation that they’d have multiple cracks at a championship with him and Bryce Harper is not justification to start firing the people who made that decision since it didn’t work in any context?"

Nationals' firing of Dusty Baker is a cold move in a cold business
"Failing to get past the first round again trumped Baker's ability to get 97 regular-season victories out of an injury-plagued team, even though general manager Mike Rizzo repeatedly said he expected Baker back."

Manny Acta Interviews With Phillies
"Seattle Mariners third base coach Manny Acta, who is in the mix for New York Mets manager, also has interviewed for the Philadelphia Phillies managerial opening, FanRagSports has learned."

The Nationals Fired Dusty Baker Because They're Just Thrashing Around
"The sad history of Nats managers is maybe slightly overstated by [Bob] Nightengale, but not by much..."

OTHER RANDOM STUFF:

From Bakersfield's baseball family, to big-league bullpen catcher
"For about eight months a year, Octavio Martinez works in Major League Baseball. And for the other four, he’s back in Bakersfield, his hometown."

Nats' Harper, Rendon up for Esurance Awards
"The Nationals had a year to remember in 2017, with a stellar offense led by Anthony Rendon and Bryce Harper. The duo combined to slash .309/.408/.561 with 54 home runs."