Dusty Baker, Bud Black finalists to manage Nationals

Baker has previously managed for the Giants, Cubs and Reds with a 1,671-1,504 (.526) record.

In addition to Black and Baker, the Nationals have interviewed Ron Gardenhire, Ron Wotus, Tim Wallach, Alex Cora and Phil Nevin, Heyman reports. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is on the hunt for an experienced manager to lead his club after the failure of first-time skipper Matt Williams. He was sacked after a 32-33 start in 2015. The move was considered a shock to most of the players. San Diego never reached the playoffs under Black, but he is a former major league pitcher and pitching coach, and known for his communication skills and ability to handle a pitching staff. He was named the NL manager of the year in 2010.

Even with the expected departures of free agent right-handers Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister, the Nationals rotation is still loaded, with righties Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg leading the way. Black is familiar with right-hander Joe Ross from his days in San Diego. Black and Baker – two of the at least seven known candidates to be interviewed – had their original interviews with the Nationals a week and a half ago.

Baker and Black are believed to be the only two finalists for the job, so barring something unusual happening, one of them will be the guy. The Nationals have met with six other candidates, including Baker.

Baker hasn’t managed in the Major League Baseball since 2013, when he was sacked after missing the playoffs with the Cincinnati Reds. Another manager who was sacked earlier this year, Bud Black, would replace him nicely.

Williams had a good first year (he was Manager of the Year) before a rough NLDS loss to the eventual World Series champion Giants, and had an especially problematic second season as manager.