Washington Nationals: 5 managers who should replace Dusty Baker

3. Joe McEwing

Joe McEwing was an extremely scrappy and hard-working utility infielder who played for nine MLB seasons. He never had the most talent on the field, but McEwing was an extremely smart and energetic player who always got the most out of what he had.

Quickly after retiring from his playing days, McEwing accepted a coaching job in the Chicago White Sox organization. McEwing managed the White Sox’s Single-A team in 2009 and was named the Manager of the Year. He made his way up to Triple-A manager in 2011 and got a job with the big league team in 2012. He has been on the White Sox’s staff ever since and was promoted to bench coach last season.

Simply put, McEwing is one of the best young managerial candidates in the game. Obviously, his lack of major league managing experience is not ideal, but it is not like McEwing is completely fresh. He was a manager for many years in the minor leagues and has now been on the big-league coaching staff for six seasons.

On top of that, McEwing’s playing career seemingly sets him up to be a strong manager. He was never a superstar player. McEwing had to work hard for everything on the field and always had himself in a good position. Plus, as a utility player, McEwing understands how to teach multiple positions.

McEwing also brings a nice blend of the traditional game and sabermetrics. He is open-minded when it comes to new ideas but also seems to have a great feel for the game. He proved that when during his playing career.

McEwing is certainly a bit of an unknown, but he is an interesting candidate who the Washington Nationals should definitely be interested in.