The Los Angeles Angels made a significant move by hiring Ron Washington as their new manager. With the possibility of key player Shohei Ohtani leaving in free agency, the Angels opted for an experienced and respected coach to guide the team. Washington, 71 years old, brings a wealth of knowledge and a successful track record to the organization.
A Successful Career in Coaching
Washington’s coaching career began with the Oakland Athletics after a decade-long tenure as a skillful utility player. He then moved on to the Texas Rangers, where he experienced great success over eight seasons, including two World Series appearances. Despite a rough final season with a 53-87 record, Washington’s overall career record stands at an impressive 664-611.
A Beloved Coach
Before joining the Los Angeles Angels, Washington spent seven seasons as a third-base coach for the Atlanta Braves. During his time there, he became beloved by players and fans alike for his comedic musings and old-school techniques. His departure from the Braves is seen as a significant loss, with the team’s president of baseball operations and general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, expressing his admiration for Washington’s coaching abilities and character.
The Oldest Manager in Baseball
Washington’s hiring as the Angels’ manager also makes him the oldest manager in the game. This appointment showcases the trust and confidence the organization has in his abilities to lead the team effectively. Alongside Los Angeles Dodgers’ Dave Roberts, Washington is one of only two Black managers currently in Major League Baseball, following the retirement of Dusty Baker from the Houston Astros.
The Angels have experienced a lack of stability in recent years, going through several managerial changes. Ron Washington will be the team’s fifth manager in just seven years. The organization’s owner, Arte Moreno, highlighted the importance of experience as a priority when making this decision. This decision follows the declining of the option on first-time manager Phil Nevin’s contract in October, after his first full season. Nevin had taken over from Joe Maddon in June 2022, who was fired after two and a half years.
The Angels’ direction and performance heavily depend on owner Arte Moreno’s decision-making. The team’s lack of success in recent years has been attributed to questionable contracts, a barren farm system, and a roster lacking depth. Despite these challenges, the team does possess talented players such as three-time MVP Mike Trout, utility man Brandon Drury, and center fielder Mickey Moniak. Additionally, promising rookies like catcher Logan O’Hoppe, shortstop Zach Neto, and first baseman Nolan Schanuel have shown glimpses of excellence.
A major area of concern for the Angels is their pitching. In the previous season, the team struggled with a 4.64 ERA, which ranked 23rd out of all MLB teams. The pitching staff also had a high walk rate, averaging 4.00 walks per nine innings, placing them at 28th. The bullpen was particularly problematic, with one of the worst performances in the league. Improving the pitching staff will be crucial for the Angels’ success moving forward.
The hiring of Ron Washington as the Los Angeles Angels’ new manager marks the beginning of a new era for the team. With his wealth of experience and successful track record, Washington brings hope to a franchise that has faced significant challenges in recent years. While there are still obstacles to overcome, including the potential departure of Shohei Ohtani, the Angels possess talented players and now have a seasoned leader at the helm. The coming seasons will be crucial for the team’s success, as they aim to make their mark in a competitive baseball landscape.
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