In a bid to revamp their struggling team and potentially prepare for the departure of star player Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels announced the hiring of veteran coach Ron Washington as their new manager.
The decision to bring on the seasoned 71-year-old coach, known for his extensive experience and respected track record, reflects the Angels determination to chart a new course after a long string of disappointing seasons.
Washington, whose last managerial stint was with the Texas Rangers in 2014, boasts an impressive career, including two World Series appearances, over eight successful seasons.
Despite a horrific final season with a 53-87 record, Washington holds an overall career record of 664-611, underscoring his capabilities as a seasoned leader in the sport.
OFFICIAL: the Angels have hired Ron Washington as the Club’s manager. pic.twitter.com/NGWV6X10PW
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) November 8, 2023
The Angels decision to appoint Washington comes on the heels of his seven-season tenure as the beloved third-base coach for the Atlanta Braves, where he gained admiration from players for his humorous anecdotes and traditional coaching methods.
“Dad, what was Ron Washington like as the Braves third baseman coach”pic.twitter.com/ExR1yrK8FA
— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) November 8, 2023
Beginning his coaching career with the Oakland Athletics after a decade-long stint as a skilled utility player, Washington’s transition to managerial roles has been widely praised within the baseball world.
“He’s everything you could want, he deserves the opportunity,” Braves president of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos said.
“He’s excited. Obviously I’m excited for him. It’s a huge loss for us. I emphasize that in caps, bold, italicized, all of it. Huge void … But I had six years with him, and I can’t imagine I’ll be around a guy like that in my entire career.”
Now the oldest manager in baseball, Washington signed a two-year contract with the Angels.
Despite being expected to lose Ohtani in free-agency, the Angels still boast a roster of talented players, including three-time MVP Mike Trout, versatile player Brandon Drury, and promising rookies such as catcher Logan O’Hoppe, shortstop Zach Neto, and first baseman Nolan Schanuel.
However, the team’s pitching performance remains a significant concern, highlighted by a 4.64 ERA, 4.00 walks per nine innings, and a struggling bullpen, ranking among the worst in the league.
With Washington’s appointment, the Angels are hopeful that his leadership and extensive experience will pave the way for a new era of success and revitalization for the organization.
What do you think of the hire???