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!

The Cubbies snagged Piniella. That leaves us with Manny Acta, Terry Pendleton, Tony Pena, and [cough] Dusty Baker. Acta's the only one with any familiarity with the organization, having been a third base coach for the Expos. The managerial search has been secretive so there could be other candidates in the running that we simply aren't aware of. (But really, what gets past the baseball blogosphere?)

UPDATE: Terry Pendleton bows out 

Florida Marlins' owner (and former Expos deconstructor) Jeffrey Loria made headlines earlier this month for his not-so-flattering comments about first year manager Joe Girardi. The rift erupted at a game Aug. 6, when Loria berated an umpire from his seat. Girardi requested Loria to stop, prompting the club owner to confront Girardi after the game during a 90-minute clubhouse meeting.

What kind of owner would fire his manager after said manager has surpassed all expectations with a young and inexperienced team? An owner with an ego the size of, well, Jeffrey Loria's! Remember that Girardi was initially hired to manage a team that had some strong, seasoned players. When Girardi signed that contract, there was no knowledge of the upcoming fire sale that saw Juan Pierre, Alex Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carlos Delgado, Mike Lowell, Luis Castillo and Paul Lo Duca all head for greener diamonds. After what Girardi has accomplished this season with the young Marlins, I wouldn't be surprised if he wins the Manager of the Year award.

There's been plenty of talk about bringing Girardi up to Chicago to take over for Dusty Baker. Personally, I'd like to see Girardi and his tough managerial style in Washington. I think a solid, militaristic kick in the pants is what Nationals players need to perform up to their potential. So, today begins my campaign: Bring Girardi to Washington!

• Soriano wants to stay: While I was adament about trading him before the season started, and I remain so inclined in light of the prospects he could potentially fetch, I'm liking Soriano more and more. The Washington Post's latest article about him is rather endearing. 
• RFK getting a makeover: Not all baseball fans like all-beef weiners? Revelation! You might just find half-decent vegetarian food on the menu at RFK soon…
• Lou Piniella rumoured to be in line for manager's job: Lerner and Associates may have to arm wrestle the Cubs' and Reds' brass to land Piniella. 

The Washington Nationals fired bullpen coach John Wetteland [on June 15], a move made at the behest of Manager Frank Robinson, who said he could no longer put up with what he considered to be a long line of transgressions and insubordination that was affecting the chemistry of his relief corps.