Washington, 71, recounted how the Angels were ‘the top dog’ in the division when he took over as manager of the Rangers in 2007, and how they overtook them to reach the World Series in consecutive seasons.
On the day when he was introduced as a major league manager for the second time, Ron Washington referred back to the situation he inherited the first time.
When the Texas Rangers hired Washington before the 2007 season, the Angels were, in Washington’s words, “the big dog” in the American League West, coming off a World Series title in 2002 and division titles in 2004 and 2005.
“And what happened?” Washington said with a grin. “We ran them down.”
Washington’s Rangers won the division in 2010 and 2011, each time going to the World Series. Now, his mission is to take the Angels on a similar path, overcoming the teams that won the last two World Series, the Rangers and the Houston Astros.
“Once we get things together and we get these guys together in spring training and start to work, our whole focus is going to be to run the West down,” said Washington, who replaces Phil Nevin, who wasn’t re-signed after the Angels completed their eighth consecutive losing year and their ninth straight non-playoff season. “And you can take that to the bank and deposit it.”
That drew rousing applause from the Angels employees in the room and certainly from many fans watching the televised introduction
It had been a week since the Angels announced that they hired the 71-year-old Washington to be their next manager, but Wednesday was the first day for Washington to talk publicly about the job or for General Manager Perry Minasian to explain why he made the choice he did.
One of the reasons, Minasian said, was just the sort of energy and enthusiasm that Washington demonstrated with his “take that to the bank” proclamation.
Minasian has known Washington since the Rangers hired him in 2007, when Minasian was working as an advance scout and manager assistant. They were together again from 2018-20 with the Atlanta Braves, with Minasian working as an assistant GM and Washington as the third base coach.
Minasian said he was comfortable with the due diligence the Angels performed on Washington’s background. Washington admitted in 2010 that he failed a 2009 drug test for cocaine, and he resigned from the Rangers to address an “off-the-field personal matter” in September 2014.
Those issues aside, Washington is widely respected throughout the game.
“I’ve gotten numerous calls already from people that have played for him or people that know him, not only excited for him and his opportunity but wouldn’t mind joining the party over here,” Minasian said.
Minasian, who inked Washington to a two-year contract with an option, has compared the manager/GM relationship to a marriage, requiring constant communication and collaboration. He said Washington was the right man to deal with those above him and the players below him.
“Nobody has more respect from players than Ron Washington, and I think you’ve just experienced it,” Minasian said after Washington got the crowd worked up during his introductory remarks. “When he talks, people listen. He’s got a way of connecting and giving people confidence. And I think he’s gonna get the most out of our group. I’m really excited to work with him and somebody I’m going to learn from.”
Washington is inheriting an Angels team that has had a losing record for each of the last eight years, including a 73-89 record in 2023.
“I see potential, but I also see guys that have to make certain that baseball is their priority,” Washington said.
Asked to elaborate on that point, he said he wasn’t suggesting “that guys are not doing what they’re supposed to do,” but that he simply wanted to make sure everyone’s “commitment, attitude and effort” are positive
Washington also said he plans to talk to center fielder Mike Trout and third baseman Anthony Rendon immediately. The two star players have each endured disappointing seasons lately, mostly because of injuries.
“Those are the two huge leaders here,” Washington said. “And I do want them to lead. They won’t be able to lead by themselves but I want them to take the lead because all the younger players we’ve got around here look up to those guys. I want them to lead.”
As for those young players, Washington said in his initial assessment of the team he’s mostly focused on the pitchers.
“I’m watching the pitching right now,” Washington said, “trying to get a pitching coach in here that I think can escalate these guys’ growth.”
Improved defense should help the pitchers, and Washington has proclaimed himself “the best in the business” when it comes to defense.
“That’s not patting myself on the back,” he told me. “That’s a fact.”
Washington stated that he will continue to train players, which is vital given how quickly they reach the big leagues these days. He stated that he would not interfere with new infield coach Ryan Goins, who will be in his first coaching job after playing in the major leagues for portions of eight seasons.
Eric Young Jr., the third base coach, is the only other post that has been filled. Washington has announced that he has hired Bo Porter as his first base coach, but the Angels have yet to make that decision official.
