Source: Knorr won't be next Nats manager
Former Washington bench coach will serve in player development role
WASHINGTON -- Former Nationals bench coach Randy Knorr is not in the running to become manager of the club, according to a baseball source.
The Nationals did not confirm the report.
Washington is looking to hire a manager after dismissing Matt Williams and his coaching staff on Oct. 5. A week later, Knorr was rehired as a senior assistant to general manager Mike Rizzo.
No reason was given as to why Knorr will not be interviewing for the job as manager. Predicted to be a favorite to win the World Series this past season, the Nationals were a disappointment and finished second behind the National League champion Mets in the NL East race.
During a conference call with the local media on Oct. 5, Rizzo said he would consider Knorr for the managerial post. However, Knorr was told that the Nationals prefered to hire someone from outside the organization.
Knorr, who was Washington's bench coach the past four seasons, will work in player development. He spent six years as a Minor League manager and knows the organization well.
As for the Nationals, they have already interviewed Phil Nevin, Dusty Baker, Bud Black, Ron Wotus, Ron Gardenhire, Andy Green and Tim Wallach. It would come as no surprise if the team also interviewed Don Mattingly and Dave Martinez. Martinez finished second behind Williams during the interview process in 2013.