WASHINGTON -- The Nationals will bring in Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez to interview for their managerial opening, a source told MLB.com on Monday, confirming multiple reports.
Martinez, 53, has interviewed with the Nationals before and came close to landing the job after the 2015 season before the club eventually hired Dusty Baker. But after two seasons and back-to-back division titles, the Nats dismissed Baker this past Friday to begin their managerial search.
Martinez has been the bench coach for Cubs manager Joe Maddon for 10 seasons, which includes a World Series appearance with the Rays in 2008 and a championship with the Cubs in '16. Martinez also played 16 seasons in the Majors, is fluent in Spanish and handles a lot of behind-the-scenes issues for Maddon in Chicago.
That's why Maddon used his platform during the National League Division Series between the Cubs and Nationals to lobby for Martinez to be considered for a managerial opening.
"He belongs in the group," Maddon said. "I know all the people who are being considered and I promise, our guy matches up with every one of them. It's baffling to me a bit why [he's not mentioned].
"[Martinez] has been on a lot of winning teams, and just look at him as a player. That's what drew me to him in the beginning with the Rays. I'd never been with him as a teammate, but I'd watched him play. He was such a heady, aggressive, gritty kind of player. He's bilingual -- all that matters. And he's not afraid to have tough conversations. I think a lot of times people in that position might shy away from that. ... I see all the [candidates'] names and I like all of these dudes, but to not put his name in there baffles me."
Knorr to be named Nats' Triple-A manager
The Nationals will name Randy Knorr as the new manager of Triple-A Syracuse, a source told MLB.com's Bill Ladson, on Monday.
Knorr managed Syracuse during the 2011 season -- when the club went 66-74 -- before he was promoted to Nationals bench coach in '12, where he served under Davey Johnson and Matt Williams. After Williams was dismissed following the '15 season, Knorr stayed with the organization as a senior advisor to general manager Mike Rizzo, his job title for the past two seasons. Knorr brings familiarity with the organization and many of the current players.
Now Knorr returns to the coaching ranks as the organization begins shaking up its staffs. Baker was let go Friday, and now the team parts with Billy Gardner as its Triple-A manager.