Hallelujah: My Reaction to the News

Ron Washington was hired by the Los Angeles Angels, and his old friend Dusty Baker was more than thrilled. The two have been friends for a long time, and Baker was emotional when asked about his pal’s new opportunity. This is not the first time Washington has gotten to lead a team, but it is the first in a long time. Baker couldn’t be happier for his longtime friend to be getting another shot to lead a dugout. The Houston Astros manager officially retired from the game recently, but he’s still invested. He is happy that Washington has gotten another shot as the two go way back. The two used to play together with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where Washington made his debut. Now, Washington is headed back to LA to manage the Angels. It’s his first managing gig since he left the Texas Rangers, who were incidentally the final game of Baker’s legendary career. Washington recently spent time as an infield/third-base coach with the Atlanta Braves, something Baker believes is a big reason they ended with the best record in baseball during the regular season. Washington comes into a team that has struggled mightily. The Angels haven’t been to the postseason for a very long time, and their present roster doesn’t suggest that a run is in them. They will need their new manager to squeeze everything he can out of them.