Signing Acta is one of Bowden's best moves
While I haven't been a big fan of Jim Bowden and his style of running the Nationals, I haven't written him off completely. In fact, I think he shows some real moments of baseball intelligence at times. Signing Manny Acta as the Nationals' new manager is an example of one of Jim's best moves with this fledgling Washington team.
I was disappointed that Joe Girardi pulled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial position with the Nats. I felt that his young age and fresh but tough managerial style would be the perfect fit for Washington's young team. After Piniella went to the Cubs, I was not impressed to hear that the Nationals were planning to interview Dusty Baker. Both Tony Pena and Terry Pendleton pulled themselves out of the running, and a few other unfamiliar names were added to the list of candidates. The situation was looking grim, until Manny Acta emerged as a potential candidate.
Acta's familiarity with the club will certainly be a strong asset, as will his easy-going yet direct coaching style. While he's never managed beyond A-ball, Acta has served as an infield coach with the Expos and more recently, the Mets. He drew praise last spring as manager of the Dominican team in the inaugural WBC for juggling a bench full of stars who seemed to have more fun than any other team. I can't remember where I read this now, but Acta is considered one of the brightest young minds in baseball.
John Patterson and Felipe Lopez are looking forward to working with Acta. As a Nationals fan, I'm excited too now that we now have a skipper who I think can shape the team's young squad into an efficient and productive baseball machine. With the managerial uncertainty behind us, it's time to look ahead and plan for a big 2007 season!
