Nationals expected to hire either Dusty Baker or Bud Black as manager

James Wagner and Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reported on Friday morning that Dusty Baker and Bud Black were the only two candidates (out of several) invited back to interview a second time for the Nationals’ managerial vacancy.

And now CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman says the Nats are indeed expected to settle on one of those two established veterans for the gig ...

Baker and Black are believed to be the only two finalists for the job, so barring something strange happening, one of them will be the guy. The Nationals did interview many strong candidates, though there’s no word at this point of a third finalist.

Ron Gardenhire, Phil Nevin, Alex Cora, Rick Renteria, Randy Knorr, and Cal Ripken Jr. were some of the other names linked to Matt Williams’ former job. There has been a heavy emphasis on experience in this search because Williams performed so poorly as a first-time skipper.

Between them, Baker and Black have 29 years of managerial experience at the major league level. Along with four Manager of the Year awards.

Black is said to be the “preferred choice” for some Nationals executives.

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