For now, Stan Kasten is the acting GM of the Nats. It's another of the many hats he's worn throughout his billion or so years in the industry.
Kasten has GM experience with the Atlanta Hawks. He led them to countless (you literally can't count them) NBA titles. He's also known for the brutal contract he gave to Jon Koncak, which paid the stiff as much as Michael Jordan.
But Stan's a short-timer. The manic end to Bowden's reign of error means that a smooth transition just wasn't possible.
So out come the rumors.
Mike Rizzo, the assistant GM, is still a candidate. Kasten has said that we shouldn't read anything into him not immediately being named the successor.
The Times reported that John Schuerholz -- the architect of Kasten's beloved Braves dynasty -- has recommended Gerry Hunsicker, the former Astros GM (and current Sr. Advisor for the Rays), and John Hart. Hart was the long-time GM for the Indians -- the only team that Kasten's Braves actually beat in the World Series.
Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal threw a whole bunch of other names out there.
What's worrisome about Ken's list is two of the names on it: Bob Boone and Chuck Lamar.
Boone is one of Bowden's lackeys, someone who's followed Jim, with the same failed record trailing.
Lamar is the guy most responsible for the Rays' current success. His years of roster incompetence gave the Rays years of excellent draft position.
Of all those names, Hunsicker makes the most sense. A competent executive, he'd do well in a short-term caretaker role.
But it'd be better if the Nats brought in a younger name -- someone innovative and fresh. Tony LaCava's name was floated earlier. Kim Ng -- the Dodger's female Assistant GM -- is another name that pops up. And there are plenty of other people in baseball who appear to be attractive candidates.
Either way, they're likely to be an improvement over Bowden. Whoever gets the job is walking into a situation where there's plenty of room for easy improvement.
Chris Needham used to write Capitol Punishment. He wonders if Stan Kasten got his resume.
