Washington Nationals manager Frank Robinson’s return in 2007 appears doubtful despite the Hall of Fame winner’s inability to gain a decision from team officials.
On Thursday, Robinson finally met with team president Stan Kasten and general manager Jim Bowden about his future.
“Let me say this: I had my say. We sat down, each one, and I had my discussions with them,” Robinson said. “And I’m very comfortable with what … I wanted to say about the situation here and my situation. Other than that, I just don’t want to go into depth on anything said behind closed doors at this time.”
Robinson’s contract expires following the Nats season finale on Sunday. Sources close to the team say Robinson could be told as soon as Monday that his deal won’t be renewed.
“You have to ask other people,” Robinson said, “The so-called experts and the people getting involved in those things. You have to talk to ‘Mr. Anonymous.’ I don’t concern myself with those things.”
Jim Bowden has the final decision on Robinson’s future and didn’t return messages on Thursday. He has regularly declined comment on Robinson’s status in recent weeks.
Nats executives have often said Robinson might gain a community relations position when no longer managing. Robinson said he would accept a front-office job only if it involved decision-making authority.
The exodus of the team’s manager of five seasons in Montreal and Washington has become a political liability for the new ownership. Robinson is popular with players and fans, and the Nats can’t afford additional ill-will given an expected near-600,000 attendance slide in their second season in D.C. Robinson’s contract is expiring, but not retaining the manager may be wrongly perceived as a firing.
Robinson recently asked team officials his status so he could be given a retirement ceremony after 50 years in Major League Baseball if he was notreturning. However, such a sendoff now seems unlikely.
