After another poor season for the Angels, they decided to part ways with former manager Phil Nevin despite pleas from multiple players. Nevin was loved by the guys in the locker room, but the lack of on-field results couldn’t save his job.
Now the Halos bring aboard a new skipper and a respected voice in Ron Washington -- someone who should fit the bill for what the club needs.
Just before hiring Washington on a two-year deal, General Manager Perry Minasian spoke about what the team is looking for in their new manager, and how they want it to make a major impact on the organization.
“The Angels general manager said he’s looking for a manager with a “presence,” who can “command a room.”
Per Jeff Fletcher of The OC Register
Going with the battle-tested Ron Washington should certainly do just that for the now younger-looking Halos squad.
“There are certain people that have earned different things,” Minasian said at the GM Meetings on Tuesday. “Whether it be through their coaching style, whether it be through their playing style, but when they walk in the room, you know they’re there. When they speak, people listen. That’s something that we’re trying to identify.”
In the past, Minasian has hoped that would be Joe Maddon. But now the team has a no nonsense leader that, despite his own past issues, seemingly has little trouble trying to command a room. Minasian is working to keep his own job for the long run and this hire could go a long way for him, Washington, and the Angels organization.
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