OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - A New Day in DC

glenn · 03-04-2009, 06:22 PM

Nats bats come alive; new skipper hired
By Jim Davidson

The Nationals bats responded to losing their manager and hitting coach in the same day, but scoring 13 runs with 16 hits to beat the Phillies 13-6. Every starter except Adam Dunn had at least 1 hit, with Ryan Zimmerman and Elijah Dukes each getting 3 hits apiece. "It was a wake-up call to the team, and we responded", Zimmerman said, "we are professionals, and know what we need to do. I've been struggling at the plate, and the first things Gianluigi said to me was I was watching some tape, and I noticed something that I wanted to show you. Sometimes you get in such a routine, it is the little things you miss."

The Nationals also announced that they have hired a new manager, Doug Dunlap. Dunlap is 57 years old, former big league pitching coach who has spent the last four years working for Major League Baseball as part of their Envoy program, which sends coaches on four to eight instructional assignments around the world, providing instruction, player development, and organization development. Dunlap retired from the program in March and has been looking to return to the coaching ranks. Dunlap spoke fondly of his experiences, and is looking forward to the challenge, "Getting a chance to travel around the world and work with players and coaches from all over the world has been a wonderful experience that I will cherish forever. I learned a lot about working with others, and myself, and I think I'll be able to apply those principles to my new job. I'm excited about the opportunity, and I know that it will be an uphill battle, but I'm up to the challenge."

I spoke with the Nationals GM, who had words of praise for the new manager, "One of the first things I did as GM was come up with a short list of managerial candidates in the event that we needed to change course. Doug has always been at the top of that list, and we have had previous discussions about a role within the organization. We are very happy to have him aboard, and I think his experiences will be an asset to the organization. He has worked with players all around the world, and knows how to bring out the best in his players."

03-04-2009, 06:22 PM	#39
glenn Major Leagues Join Date: May 2006 Location: PA Posts: 407	4/28/2009 Nats bats come alive; new skipper hired By Jim Davidson The Nationals bats responded to losing their manager and hitting coach in the same day, but scoring 13 runs with 16 hits to beat the Phillies 13-6. Every starter except Adam Dunn had at least 1 hit, with Ryan Zimmerman and Elijah Dukes each getting 3 hits apiece. "It was a wake-up call to the team, and we responded", Zimmerman said, "we are professionals, and know what we need to do. I've been struggling at the plate, and the first things Gianluigi said to me was I was watching some tape, and I noticed something that I wanted to show you. Sometimes you get in such a routine, it is the little things you miss." The Nationals also announced that they have hired a new manager, Doug Dunlap. Dunlap is 57 years old, former big league pitching coach who has spent the last four years working for Major League Baseball as part of their Envoy program, which sends coaches on four to eight instructional assignments around the world, providing instruction, player development, and organization development. Dunlap retired from the program in March and has been looking to return to the coaching ranks. Dunlap spoke fondly of his experiences, and is looking forward to the challenge, "Getting a chance to travel around the world and work with players and coaches from all over the world has been a wonderful experience that I will cherish forever. I learned a lot about working with others, and myself, and I think I'll be able to apply those principles to my new job. I'm excited about the opportunity, and I know that it will be an uphill battle, but I'm up to the challenge." I spoke with the Nationals GM, who had words of praise for the new manager, "One of the first things I did as GM was come up with a short list of managerial candidates in the event that we needed to change course. Doug has always been at the top of that list, and we have had previous discussions about a role within the organization. We are very happy to have him aboard, and I think his experiences will be an asset to the organization. He has worked with players all around the world, and knows how to bring out the best in his players."