Nationals promote Cromie to assistant GM

WASHINGTON -- The Nationals have expanded their baseball research and development department by promoting Adam Cromie to assistant general manager and director of baseball operations.

The news comes more than a week after Bryan Minniti left his assistant GM post to take the same position with the D-backs.

"I look forward to working with Mike and the rest of our staff to improve our decision-making framework and build a competitive Nationals club for the short and the long term," Cromie said. "We have a solid club for 2015. However, we have a lot of important choices to make as an organization over the next few seasons. I'm excited to be a part of them."

Cromie has been with the Nats since 2007. Prior to the promotion, he worked his way up to director of baseball operations. Cromie said the biggest thing he's learned from GM Mike Rizzo was judgment and conviction. Rizzo doesn't shy away from making tough choices.

"[Rizzo's] faith in our decision-making process and in the quality of the people in our organization is unwavering," Cromie said. "Even in the face of criticism, Mike stands up for what he believes is the correct decision and is resolute in his conviction to see those decisions through."

Washington also promoted Sam Mondry-Cohen to director of baseball research and development, and Michael DeBartolo to manager of baseball research and development.

"I think the promotions for Sam and Michael are recognition of the enormous impact they have already had on the organization and an acknowledgment of the high expectations we have for their future contribution," Cromie said. "Sam and Michael have participated in some of the most significant recent transactions we have made as an organization.

"More important, their day-to-day contribution has played a significant role in creating an organizational culture that values the combination of scouting and performance information in making decisions. I believe this is the first step in a long career for both Sam and Michael, and look forward to watching them continue to grow."

The Nationals also hired Josh Weinstock as an analyst of baseball research and development.