Atlanta Braves: Making a case for 2018 managerial candidates
By Tyler Wilson
Ron Washington
It’s hard to find bad things to say about the job Ron Washington has done since joining the Atlanta Braves. He’s worked well with the group of young infielders the Braves have put together this year, routinely taking guys out to the field hours before batting practice to work on infield mechanics.
Wash’s energy on the field is unmatched. Just watch him the next time he’s waving a guy around third base to score. He gets legitimately excited when this Braves team plays like they’re capable of playing. There’s no doubt he’s a guy the players would love to play for.
Ron Washington has the track record the Braves are looking for, as far as managing baseball games. He’s got a lifetime 664-611 record (entirely with the Rangers), including four straight 90+ win seasons from 2010 to 2013. Washington took Texas to the World Series in back-to-back years in 2010 and 2011, but lost to the Giants and Cardinals respectively.
Washington stepped down from his manager position for personal reasons, having later admitted to being unfaithful to his wife. There was also admitted cocaine use in his past. I don’t see that being a deal-breaker for the Braves, however, as he’s since reestablished himself as a positive influence in the league.
Although he may always be remembered for his days as the Rangers’ skipper, Ron Washington is still capable of effectively managing an MLB team. The Braves will be sure not to look over him.