Randy Knorr wants to take over as Nationals manager
The second-year bench coach would love to be considered for the job when Davey Johnson retires at the end of the year.
“I would like [the Nationals] to consider me. But I know [general manager] Mike [Rizzo] has a bunch of people in mind, also,” Knorr said. “It would be an honor to be considered for that job. … I try not to think too far ahead. I like to take things day by day.”
Knorr, who is in his second season as bench coach, has been a part of the organization since it moved to D.C. in 2005.
The former MLB catcher managed in the Nats minor-league system for parts of six seasons -- along with two brief stints as big-league bullpen coach in 2006 and 2009 -- so he’s no stranger to leading a club. He compiled a 417-420 (.498) record overall in his six years as farm-club skipper, including a Carolina League championship with High-A Potomac in 2008 -- the first in the club’s 29-year history.
Also helping his cause is that he's coached 11 of the players on the club's current roster -- including Ryan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg -- giving him a standing rapport as manager with this specific group.
Knorr has shown no qualms about making decisions while filling in for Davey Johnson on occasion this year, telling Ladson that it's "very important to speak your mind" when leading a club. He's certainly done so, calling out Bryce Harper for not hustling last Friday and yanking Rafael Soriano out of a game in late July when he was struggling with his command.
