Washington Nationals could be saved with Joe Girardi being dismissed
By David Hill
The Washington Nationals shocked many baseball experts by deciding not to extend Dusty Baker. The New York Yankees dismissal of Joe Girardi may have saved them.
Once again, the Washington Nationals season ended in disappointment. This time, it took a botched call and a bizarre implosion by Max Scherzer to doom the Nats against the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS. However, regardless of the circumstances, the Nationals were home once again, that final goal out of reach.
While the season ended in disappointing fashion, the Nationals were still expected to stay the course. A few of the faces in the lineup may change, and the bullpen may have had a tweak or two, but there was not a lot of movement expected. And then, they declined to extend a contract to Dusty Baker.
This was a shock to many. Yes, the Nats had once again fallen short of the World Series, but they had won 95 and 97 games in Baker’s two seasons. He was a well respected presence in the clibhouse, a baseball lifer that had a track record of getting to the postseason. Given that other teams needing a new manager had already plucked some of the top candidates, this decision seemed even more bizarre.
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However, the Yankees may end up saving the Nationals. In a move that was not entirely unexpected, New York has decided to part ways with Joe Girardi. Although he always seemed to be on the hot seat, Girardi did not have a losing season in New York, and made the playoffs six times. In 2009, he guided the team to their 27th World Series title, the last gasp of the Core Four.
While the Yankees said they are looking for someone who is a better communicator, their loss could be the Nationals gain. Bringing in a manager like Girardi could be the perfect solution to letting Baker go, as he would fit in well with a team designed to win now.
The Nationals window of opportunity may be closing soon. Such key pieces as Gio Gonzalez, Daniel Murphy, and Bryce Harper are set to enter free agency after 2018. As the roster currently stands, four players are under contract for 2019, yet the Nats already have over $100 Million in payroll obligations for that year. The 2018 campaign may be that last shot at glory.
As such, bringing in a manager like Girardi would make sense. Given his postseason experience, he could be the skipper needed to guide the Nationals to the Promised Land. Or, at the very least, past the first round. And, should that trio of players leave, he could help guide the next wave of youngsters. The success of players like Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge goes a long way towards the thought that he would be the right fit.
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The Washington Nationals dismissal of Dusty Baker looked like a big mistake. Fortunately for them, the New York Yankees may have thrown them a lifeline in Joe Girardi.