Washington Nationals to target hiring Don Mattingly?

The Washington Nationals might have interest in ex-Dodgers skipper Don Mattingly. 

When the Los Angeles Dodgers were bounced out of the postseason by the now World Series bound Mets, it was clear that some changes were coming. Don Mattingly leaving his post as manager was the first of what might be more big changes out West, but it could be a move hat has ramifications out East.

According to Mark Zuckerman of CSN Mid Atlantic, the Washington Nationals might be effected in more than one way by the departure of Mattingly from Los Angeles. As pointed out, Mattingly not only fits the mold for Nationals opening but the allure of the Dodgers job could draw the attention of candidates that the Nats have on their list.

It’s not a foregone conclusion that the Nats will make a run at Mattingly, but it at least makes sense for them to feel him out. He’s a top notch managerial choice, and he’s the only candidate on the market guaranteed to not be on the Dodgers radar for 2016.

Dusty Baker, Cal Ripken and Ron Gardenhire all remain primo picks for the Nationals, but they could be drawn out West to Los Angeles to step into a job that require no rebuilding and a ton of World Series promise. If there’s one thing the Dodgers likely won’t be doing, it’s hiring from within to replace Mattingly — something the Nationals are almost certain to do to fill Matt Williams’ shoes.