CLEARLY, MANNY'S NOT THEIR MAN.

"They've reached out to say, 'we're interested. This is just the early stages."
(Willie Randolph, via NY Daily News, 10/16/2008)

Nats set to hire Manny's replacement a few months early and call him a coach.

First, they didn't pick up the 2010 option at season's end. Now, another no-vote of confidence for Manny Acta: Nationals want Willie Randolph as manager in waiting bench coach.

NY Newsday's Ken Davidoff (who broke the story yesterday) says Jimbo has always had a "thing" for Willie, but Manny's already got his next job in the Big Apple on his mind anyway:

Washington GM Jim Bowden, like the Steinbrenners and Melvin, appears to be a Randolph ally. After the 2000 season, Bowden interviewed Randolph for the Reds' managerial opening and offered Randolph his first big-league managing job. Then the Yankees' third-base coach, Randolph turned down the opportunity, citing a lack of commitment in years (two), dollars (a total of $650,000) and coaching selections (only one or two). Bowden, handcuffed by Reds ownership at the time, apparently didn't take the rejection personally.
...

If Randolph were to indeed join the Nationals, it would be an awkward situation. But friends of Acta believe that he's so excited about eventually managing the Mets that he won't be bothered by any tension.

It's like we said a few weeks ago: just like Stan, Manny can't wait to get the hell out of Washington.

Meanwhile...

Farewell Charlie Manning. Good luck in Syracuse to Langerhans and Speigner.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Comments

[Harper]

If this is the case - the Nats and Mets should have just traded managers mid-season.

[The Nationals Enquirer]

I saw a really good comment on some other blog (I can't remember which one), that said something like: "If he takes over in Washington, at least Willie won't have to worry about choking away first place in the NL East."

I thought that was funny. Then I thought about it a little more and it made me a little sad...