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glenn · 02-27-2009, 07:43 PM

2/27/2009

Nationals Clean House - Fire GM Jim Bowden

The final piece of the puzzle fell into place today, as the Washington Nationals announced they have fired General Manager Jim Bowden, and named his replacement. Nationals' Team President Stan Kasten announced the decision today, hoping to put the recent scandal regarding the "skimming" on signing bonuses for Latin American players to rest. Earlier this week, the Nationals fired both Jose Rijo, and Jose Baez, who were two of the leading officials of the Nationals' Dominican Republic operations. The team has also reduced their Dominican operations from two teams to one, released 14 players, relocated their Dominican Republic complex, and replaced all of their office staff and coaches.

Last week the Nationals announced that 19 year old prospect Esmailyn Gonzalez was actually 23 year old Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo. The Nationals also released starting pitcher Odalis Perez, who was holding out for money after signing a contract. The latest scandal forced the Nationals to act to replace Bowden.

Bowden was hired in November 2004 as the General Manager for the Washington Nationals, and in four seasons the team has yet to finish over .500. The Nationals minor league system was recently ranked the 29th best minor system in Major League Baseball, and the Nationals lost 102 games last year, worst in baseball.

The Nationals named a 34 year old, relatively unknown to take over General Manager duties on an interim basis. Kasten spoke with us about the change, "It was time to move on for the Nationals. We appreciate all the work Jim Bowden has done for the Nationals, but it is time to take the team in a new direction. 2008 was a disappointing year for us, and as a team we want to regain focus and march toward our goal, of bringing a championship to Washington, D.C. Our fans deserve to have our total commitment to building a winning team in D.C. We did hire a young GM today, and he does have the interim label, but we are excited about the change, and expect big things from him. We know and he knows what it will take to remove the interim label."

02-27-2009, 07:43 PM	#1
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	A New Day in DC - A National's Dynasty Begins 2/27/2009 Nationals Clean House - Fire GM Jim Bowden The final piece of the puzzle fell into place today, as the Washington Nationals announced they have fired General Manager Jim Bowden, and named his replacement. Nationals' Team President Stan Kasten announced the decision today, hoping to put the recent scandal regarding the "skimming" on signing bonuses for Latin American players to rest. Earlier this week, the Nationals fired both Jose Rijo, and Jose Baez, who were two of the leading officials of the Nationals' Dominican Republic operations. The team has also reduced their Dominican operations from two teams to one, released 14 players, relocated their Dominican Republic complex, and replaced all of their office staff and coaches. Last week the Nationals announced that 19 year old prospect Esmailyn Gonzalez was actually 23 year old Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo. The Nationals also released starting pitcher Odalis Perez, who was holding out for money after signing a contract. The latest scandal forced the Nationals to act to replace Bowden. Bowden was hired in November 2004 as the General Manager for the Washington Nationals, and in four seasons the team has yet to finish over .500. The Nationals minor league system was recently ranked the 29th best minor system in Major League Baseball, and the Nationals lost 102 games last year, worst in baseball. The Nationals named a 34 year old, relatively unknown to take over General Manager duties on an interim basis. Kasten spoke with us about the change, "It was time to move on for the Nationals. We appreciate all the work Jim Bowden has done for the Nationals, but it is time to take the team in a new direction. 2008 was a disappointing year for us, and as a team we want to regain focus and march toward our goal, of bringing a championship to Washington, D.C. Our fans deserve to have our total commitment to building a winning team in D.C. We did hire a young GM today, and he does have the interim label, but we are excited about the change, and expect big things from him. We know and he knows what it will take to remove the interim label."