Ownership decision viewed as win
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
May 4, 2006
WASHINGTON — The new owner could fire everyone, letting his new guy rebuild the organization. Or he could spend big money on free agents. Or, rather, he’d focus on the farm system.
Nobody is certain what Ted Lerner will do. The Nationals’ players just know they have an owner — just like every other team in Major League Baseball.
That alone is progress.
"I’m just happy this happened," Nats second baseman Jose Vidro said, "because we finally feel like we’re at the same level as the rest of the league."
Certainly, a new owner can’t have an immediate impact on the field. Still, in the locker room and around baseball, the news was greeted with positive reviews.
"There’s finally some stability," said ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips, a former general manager with the Mets. "And having Stan Kasten as part of the solution is a huge victory."
But patience is required.
"I don’t think it will be a quick fix," Phillips said. "The big question for ownership is what approach will they have? Oftentimes new owners want to spend money for a quick fix, but Stan is a guy with long-term vision ... There’s a good nucleus to build around, but it’ll be a couple years."
Kasten, president of the Nationals, was the key architect in Atlanta’s run of 14 straight division titles. He focused on the farm system, which is what many expect him to do in Washington.
"It’s just a matter of committing to scouting and player development," said Atlanta assistant general manager, and George Mason graduate, Dayton Moore. "Stan has a plan and he sticks with it. ... He’s a very charismatic leader."
Multiple baseball sources expect Lerner and Kasten to clean house. Moore’s name has been discussed in baseball circles as a potential candidate should general manager Jim Bowden be fired. Moore declined comment on this topic.
"I’d be surprised if they don’t go that way," one baseball source said. "Stan and Dayton have a good relationship."
Regardless, Kasten will provide energy.
"He has a great passion for baseball," said Braves announcer Skip Caray, who has known Kasten for 30 years. "He’s also a top-notch recruiter for free agents. He’s a stable force who attracts good players. There’s not a person in the Braves’ organization that does not think the world of Stan."
Atlanta north?
Kasten served as the president for the Atlanta Braves, the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers at the same time. He was the Braves’ president from 1986-2003.
Washington reliever Mike Stanton pitched for Atlanta when Kasten was there and said, "He’s a big part of what the Braves are now."
The Braves are for sale, which some in baseball believe could lead to several members of that organization coming to Washington.
Jim Williams contributed to this article.
