ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 05: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks back in the dugout while on the mound during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on… More Tim Heitman/Getty Images
“In terms of reputation, Washington probably isn’t what Yankees fans are looking for,” wrote Kline. “But he has tons of clubhouse experience dating back to his time as a player in the 70s and 80s. He is also a minted genius when it comes to coaching infielders. There’s a lot more to successfully managing a team, but Washington can at least provide valuable guidance to Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm and other struggling Yankees defenders. That can’t be the worst thing.”
Washington was a longtime coach for the Athletics before taking over as manager of the Texas Rangers in 2007. He won two American League Pennants for the Rangers before going back to the Athletics. He eventually joined the Atlanta Braves coaching staff before being hired as the Angels manager last year.
The Angels entered Thursday 55-60, and six games out of a wild card spot. However, Washington has not been managing the team. He is on medical leave and will remain on medical leave for the rest of the year.
It is unclear whether he will want to continue managing or if the Angels will stick with him. He has a team option for next season. However, if Boone is fired, Washington could be an option.