Latest hot seat watch proves Ron Washington made a huge mistake in leaving the Braves

“I made a huge mistake.” About twenty years ago, there was an outstanding Arrested Development episode that I can still clearly recall, in which the prison door slid shut and GOB Bluth was trapped inside his cell. Around the same time, Scott Hatteberg, the beloved Oakland Athletics infield instructor, was told by Ron Washington that he had no chance of ever becoming a first baseman. It was best if he had left well enough alone.

Even though we were all thrilled to see Wash land his next managerial gig, it felt incredibly Leo Mazzone of him to leave baseball heaven in Atlanta to take a job with a buddy or a former coworker. A former Atlanta Braves assistant hasn’t been this popular since Mazzone. The former star pitching coach left for the Baltimore Orioles, and that was career suicide.

Washington departed Atlanta to take over a team that, in the nearly ten years since I began writing professionally, has never advanced to the AL postseason. Under Washington’s direction, the Los Angeles Angels are not progressing very quickly. At the All-Star Break, their record is 41–55. In his most recent newsletter, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic put eight names under intense scrutiny, Washington being one of them. To Perry Minasian just…

Given that Minasian’s contract with the Halos is coming to an end, it is likely inevitable that Wash will follow suit.

Although Washington may not acknowledge his longing for the Braves, Braves Nation undoubtedly misses him.

Ron Washington made a GOB Bluth huge mistake leaving Atlanta Braves

I know why Washington departed. He is in his seventies and was the Texas Rangers’ outstanding manager in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The Rangers have won their first two AL pennants under this same manager’s leadership. I truly thought Washington would be able to redeem itself as a skipper after how it went for him in Texas, even though all Bruce Bochy does is win World Series.
Though he had some personal matters to resolve after leaving Texas, the man is fundamentally a lifelong baseball fan. What is job security anyhow, halfway through the first year of a two-year contract with a third year option? Regardless of our occupation, it is a fact of life in this day and age that we could all lose our jobs tomorrow. All I ask is that he not so brazenly take the bait—the hook, line, and sinker—that the Angels used.

Out of all the depressing baseball teams, GOB Bluth still keeps the Angels’ frozen, lifeless dove in the freezer of the model house in Sudden Valley. This is the franchise that waits for you and attempts to give you a high five. to slap hands, then in an effort to keep face intact, end up pointing at you. In Orange County, there is no hope. Just like we all need a raise in wages, the Halos need new ownership.

In the meantime, Matt Tiuasosopo, the previous captain of the Gwinnett Stripers, was elevated to third base coach by Atlanta. Coaches like Tiuasosopo are consistently promoted by the Braves from within. What do you believe happened when Brian Snitker arrived in Atlanta? Sadly, despite his apparent love of the game, Tuiasosopo is not a major leaguer, as seen by his incapacity to judge outfield fences when coaching third base.

He might make it in due course, but my goodness, how I miss the unique Washington windmill. This side of Holland, there’s no windmill quite like it—powerful enough to propel Pinball Wizard to new heights with a power chord struck by Pete Townshend. Worst of all, Atlanta could have used a lot more Wash this season. He is a defense coordinator. A true magician and a pleasure to have around the clubhouse.

I don’t know if he’ll ever return to the Braves, but I wish he had never departed, like a box of Cracker Jacks.