SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ron Washington never imagined being anywhere else in the world during spring training than at a baseball field — health scare be damned.
Washington, 73, isn’t that far removed from undergoing quadruple bypass heart surgery this past June, forcing him to step down as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels. Only about eight months after the procedure, “Wash” is roaming around Scottsdale Stadium with his trusty black fungo stick as the Giants’ infield coach, doing what he does best: teaching infield defense.
“It’s been a happy time because I’ve gotten my strength to the point where I can come out here and do what I do,” Washington said. “That was my intention. It’ll get better as the year goes along; it’s not going to get worse. … I’m doing really good health-wise. I’m eating good, I’m sleeping good and I’m able to use (my fungo), which is my bread and butter.”
Vitello began regularly communicating with Washington after filling the Giants’ managerial vacancy. He didn’t seek out advice, nor did he pitch Washington on a job. Vitello just wanted to talk ball with a man who’s spent more than five decades in the game as a player, coach and manager. The two talked often, and Washington even flew out to Nashville to meet Vitello for lunch.
“He’s a heck of a recruiter,” Washington said. “He never mentioned me coming on as one of the coaches. We just had an affair.”
Vitello and Washington continued their correspondence following the lunch. On the Monday after Thanksgiving, general manager Zack Minasian called Washington about a contract. To Washington, it was easy to say yes.
“Once I had my issue and I started rehabbing, my focus was to be where I am right now. Maybe not talking to the media, but I wanted to be in spring training because I still have something to offer. I wanted to offer it here. And the San Francisco Giants have given me an opportunity to continue to offer it.”
Washington was once a first-time manager, too, and he’s familiar with the concept of bringing on an experienced voice to provide guidance. When Washington took his first managerial job with the Texas Rangers in 2007, the team brought on Art Howe, who had managed for 14 seasons, to serve as Washington’s bench coach. Now, Washington is filling a similar role.
“We needed somebody in the dugout that can be the seen-it-all, done-it-all dugout guy,” Vitello said. “There’s a lot of other benefits that come from having Wash around, but that was step one.”
“Wash has always treated me like absolute gold no matter what role I was doing,” said bench coach Jayce Tingler. “We’ve always had a very good relationship, and I’m excited to be in the dugout with him.”
Washington has often worked alongside new third-base coach Hector Borg, who is getting his first shot at coaching in the majors after nearly two decades of working in the organization. The two will have their hands full this spring working with Luis Arráez, Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge, none of whom have proven themselves capable of playing solid defense at their respective positions.
Arráez has been one of the worst defenders in baseball since making his debut. Devers has logged more than 8000 innings at third base but has only played a handful of games at first base after picking up the position last year. Eldridge is entering his third year as a full-time first baseman and is still trying to learn the nuances of the position.
To Washington, there’s a common denominator with all three.
“They want it,” Washington said. “I keep saying they want it. If you want it, I can give it to you. How far you go with it, that’s going to be up to them. I’m not a predictor, especially in baseball. It’s hard to predict baseball. But I do know that they’re getting the work they need to get, they’re adjusting to it and they’re showing improvement out there.”
With Eldridge, in particular, Washington said he’s trying to make sure the six-foot-seven first baseman gets into his legs. Washington said Eldridge will leave the field complaining about how his legs are burning, but to Washington, that burn is a sign that the Giants’ top prospect is doing everything right.
“‘When you stop feeling that, you’re going to be one of the first basemen in the game. As long as you’re feeling that, you’re doing the right thing.’ He’s working. He’s a very hard worker. He’s got a good work ethic. He wants to be good. That’s the key: the word ‘want.’ And he wants it,” Washington said.
This marks Washington’s first time in the Giants’ organization, but he and this organization already have history. In 2010, San Francisco, managed by Bruce Bochy and led by Buster Posey, beat Washington’s Rangers in the World Series in five games.
“Every now and then (Posey will) throw a dig at me about that 2010 World Series. But if you know Buster, he’ll do it in a way that it won’t hurt your feelings,” Washington said.
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