The Washington Nationals have retooled their coaching staff following an embarrassing season under the tutelage of Matt Williams. Former Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker was announced as the club’s manager after negotiations fell apart with Bud Black, and now they’re on the verge of adding another big name to their staff, reportedly bringing in Mike Maddux as their new pitching coach.
Maddux leaving the Texas Rangers organization was an odd story. After the season ended, Maddux told general manager Jon Daniels he wanted to look at other opportunities. Daniels allowed it, and searched for another pitching coach, and when Maddux returned and wanted to talk contract, Daniels told him they interviewed some other candidates and wanted to go another way.