Padres contemplating Ron Washington for the job again
(Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Ron Washington is interested in the San Diego Padres managerial opening. Should the Padres consider Washington for the role?
The last time San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller had the opportunity to hire a new manager, Ron Washington was reportedly the runner-up to Jayce Tingler.
It was just after the 2019 season when Andy Green was dismissed. Washington and the Padres were close to agreeing on a contract, but ultimately A.J. Preller decided to go with another first-year manager. Jayce Tingler was virtually unknown on the national stage, and his inexperience reportedly cost him his position with the team.
As the 2021 season came to an end, it was evident that the team needed a change in leadership. Jayce Tingler was let go after his second season with the team, as the Padres collapsed at an epic level to close the season. The young manager reportedly lost the locker room, and the rest is history.
The Padres are seeking a calming leader—a manager with experience.
Ron Washington certainly brings that as the baseball lifer has been in the game professionally since 1971 when the Kansas City Royals drafted him. Washington spent ten years in the game at the major league level. He managed the Texas Rangers from 2007-2014, coming within one strike (Game 6) of winning the 2011 World Series. The Rangers went to the World Series in back-to-back years under the watch of Washington. So there is no shortage of experience from this man.
The veteran coach currently works for the Atlanta Braves, where he serves as the team’s third base coach. A position he has held since the 2017 season. The Padres will likely not be able to interview or potentially hire him until the Braves are eliminated from the playoffs.
In a recent interview with Robert Murray, Washington spoke about the Padres and his desire to manage that team.
Ron Washington on the Padres’ managerial opening: “I think I’m qualified. I think I can get that team over the hump. That’s my thinking. … I’m definitely able to get them where they want to go.” https://t.co/pA2As6cPUi
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) October 11, 2021
The Padres need results.
Ron Washington is confident he will bring wins to the franchise and get results. But, there are some concerns as the soon-to-be 70-year old is getting up there in age. Can he handle the modern game with its ever-changing rules? A lot has changed in the eight years since he skippered a team.
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There are also concerns about off-the-field things from Washington, who is no stranger to controversy. A.J. Preller will need to do his homework to ensure that Washington is the right man for the job. Preller is under pressure to deliver, and this being his third managerial hire. It may be three strikes, and you are out for the young GM.
Is Ron Washington the right man for the job? Only time will tell for the San Diego Padres.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.