Barry Svrluga repeated the news reported last night by ESPN, Fernando Ravelo, the GM of the Tigres de Licey, is the likely choice to oversee the Nationals rebuilding efforts in the Dominican Republic.
Here is a photo of Ravelo (credit: DiarioLibre.com)
Here is a link to his biography from Licey’s website. A rough translation of the introduction using Babelfish …
It is in his ninth year as GM of the team, in which it has won three national (league) championships and two Caribbean Series crowns. He replaced Rafael Landestoy in 2000 and his first move was the dismissal of manager Ron Washington.
#1 by Tofu Dog - February 26th, 2009 at 12:13
From Baseball Prospectus: Nats strongly considering change
by John Perrotto
The Nationals, according to multiple industry sources, are strongly considering firing general manager Jim Bowden and replacing him with Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava.
Bowden has been implicated in a bonus skimming scandal in the Dominican Republic and is reportedly being investigated by the FBI. Jose Rijo, the former major-league pitcher and a special assistant to Bowden, has taken a leave of absence in wake of the allegations.
LaCava is highly regarded inside the game and has interviewed for GM jobs with the Pirates and Mariners in the last year-and-a-half. Commissioner Bud Selig reportedly has given Nationals president Stan Kasten permission to hire LaCava without interviewing minority candidates because of the special circumstances of a change of GMs being necessitated after spring training has started.
#2 by estuartj - February 26th, 2009 at 12:14
“And upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:13-18.
#3 by Pilchard - February 26th, 2009 at 12:16
FWIW, there are other reports refuting that the Nats have had any contact with LaCava: http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/chatter/2009/Feb/26/sorting-all-out/
The relevant portion:
“The Nats have absolutely not contacted Tony LaCava, the Toronto Blue Jays assistant GM whose name was the subject of much rumor yesterday. LaCava might very well be one of several candidates for the job if and when it becomes available, but he wouldn’t be the only one and certainly wouldn’t just be handed the job.”
#4 by estuartj - February 26th, 2009 at 12:29
My best guess is that Kasten reached out to Selig to feel out the commissioner’s office on what support they could expect if they needed to replace the GM mid-season. I’m betting Selig said he’d see what they could do about bringing in LaCava without going through the minority hiring process, but then someone in Selig’s office leaked that to submarine the idea (what people being dis-loyal to suit thier own ends? Never!) and Selig had to publicly backtrack to avoid a firestorm.
Meanwhile Rizzo went to DR to get rid of Rijo and company and find a new home and director for the DR operation. Since they can’t have LaCava (or at least not yet) Rizzo will get the interim tag and a shot at the permanent position after the WS.
If they are going to go outside of the organization for a GM, could they just hire Ng from the LAD without interviewing anyone else? What are the rules about interviewing and hiring “leadership” position in season?
#5 by Tofu Dog - February 26th, 2009 at 12:30
Whether they do or don’t he seems like the anti-Bowden, for the religious among us. “Bleeding Blue and Teal,” a Mariners website http://www.bleedingblueandteal.com/10-2008/gm-search-tony-lacava/ describes LaCava as extremely well liked by everyone in baseball, as the ideal candidate for a team that is looking to build from within.
#6 by Nate - February 26th, 2009 at 12:32
That is simply not a flattering picture.
#7 by Brian Oliver - February 26th, 2009 at 12:35
I struggled to find a good one I could link to
#8 by estuartj - February 26th, 2009 at 12:42
He does kind of look like Ron Jeremy, doesn’t he?
#9 by cjrugger - February 26th, 2009 at 13:17
what happened to the game today? I thought WFED was carrying it?
#10 by Brian Oliver - February 26th, 2009 at 13:22
I am listening to it on MLB Gameday audio. The best $15 investment there is.
Are you trying to listen to it online w/o Gameday? If yes, you won’t get it. Only on the radio itself.
#11 by cjrugger - February 26th, 2009 at 13:31
Ah ok, alright they got my 15 bucks
#12 by natsfan1a - February 26th, 2009 at 18:25
The game was on WFED, and tomorrow’s game will be, too.
#13 by DickFred - February 27th, 2009 at 19:02
I know Fernando and he is an outstanding selection. He is superb at nurturing relationships with Dominican players and has an excellent eye for talent. He has built winners in his time with Licey and his integrity is unquestioned.