The Washington Nationals plan to hire Bud Black as their next manager, according to multiple reports.
Black began his managerial career in 2007, when he was hired by the San Diego Padres. He was named National League Manager of the Year in 2010. Black was fired 65 games into the 2015 season, ending a more than eight-year run in charge of the Padres. In five of those seasons, Black finished in the top eight of National League Manager of the Year voting.
The 58-year-old Black spent 15 seasons in the major leagues as a pitcher, compiling a 121-116 record. Handling pitching is a considered a strength for Black, as is his open, affable nature.
In San Diego, Black was 649-713 (.477). The Padres never finished better than second in National League West under Black, and made zero playoff appearances during his time there.
Black’s best season in San Diego came in 2010, when the Padres were 90-72, and were in first place as late as Sept. 25.
Black replaces Matt Williams, who was fired Oct. 5 following a flop of a season that ended with dugouts fights, curious bullpen usage and a distant second-place finish in the National League East. Williams was named manager of the year in 2014, and the Nationals were the World Series favorites coming into the 2015 season, before injuries and subpar play derailed both.
Hiring Black also checks an important box for general manager Mike Rizzo. Rizzo said following the dismissal of Williams, that he was interested in the next manager having managerial experience at the major league level, and he has that in Black. Williams was a rookie manager.
Hiring a new manager in the offseason also continues a run of instability at the position since baseball returned to Washington in 2005. Black will be the seventh manager in 10 years, following Frank Robinson, Manny Acta, Jim Riggleman, John McLaren, Davey Johnson and Williams.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.