Examining candidates with big league experience who could become Nationals' next manager

The Nationals fired manager Matt Williams and his coaching staff Monday. The team's general manager, Mike Rizzo, said that he'll keep an open mind in hiring Williams' replacement, but major league experience will likely be a necessity.

Nationals coach Randy Knorr, Nationals players' choice two years ago when Rizzo hired Williams, may or may not be a candidate. Knorr has plenty of experience as a minor league manager and bench coach in the big leagues. If Rizzo is looking for a big league bench coach with no managing experience, then Dave Martinez of the Cubs and Ron Wotus of the Giants could be in play, as well as Knorr.

But let's assume Rizzo wants a manager with big league managing experience to lead the Nationals in 2016. With that in mind, here are some candidates who could be calling Rizzo for an interview:

Bud Black: A former left-handed pitcher who was in the big leagues for 15 seasons, Black was in his ninth season as the manager of the Padres when he was fired this season. He had only two winning seasons with the Padres, who were trying to compete against the big-market Dodgers and Giants in the National League West. Black's strength is his communication skill, ability to handle pitchers and personality, which blends fairness and toughness.

Dusty Baker: The former manager of the Giants, Cubs and Reds is only 65 and says he wants to get back into managing. He managed the Giants in the 2002 World Series, and players in San Francisco, Chicago and Cincinnati loved his approach.

Bo Porter: When he was coaching for the Nationals, he was a big-time managing prospect because of the way he related to players and his knowledge of the game. Porter had a chance in Houston, but didn't get along with Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow. Porter learned a lot and has grown. Maybe the Nationals give him a chance to return to D.C.

Ron Gardenhire: Gardenhire worked as a third base coach in Minnesota under Twins manager Tom Kelly when the Twins won the World Series in 1991. Gardenhire, fired after 2014, managed the Twins from 2002 to 2014 and won six division championships. In his last four seasons, the Twins lost 90-plus games. Gardenhire is looking to get back into managing, and speculation was that he was going to replace Brad Ausmus in Detroit. Gardenhire is a strong strategist and his fun-loving sense of humor might be what the Nationals need. He's not as laid-back as Davey Johnson and he's not as tight as Williams.

Ron Washington: Washington is an excellent communicator and a strong manager who stresses fundamentals. Washington's strength is his teaching skill, but he's managed the Rangers into World Series in 2011 and 2012. They didn't win, but they were there. Washington has had some personal problems that led to his demise in Texas, but give him credit for finding his way back as a third base coach with Oakland.

Larry Rothschild: The Yankees pitching coach was the first manager for the first season of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was a pitching coach on World Series championship teams in Cincinnati in 1990 and Florida in 1997. If the Nationals are looking for a manager with experience in handling veteran and youthful pitchers alike, Rothschild might be a candidate.

Don Wakamatsu: He's had experience as a bench coach with several clubs and will be in the postseason in that position for the Royals. Wakamatsu has managed in the minor leagues and has big league experience in two seasons with Seattle, including 2009, when the Mariners finished with 85 wins.

Jim Leyland: Leyland, who has managed the Marlins, Pirates and Tigers, has seen it all in his days as a manager. If the Nationals are looking for baseball experience and an iconic name, then Leyland, 70, would be the guy. He managed the 1997 Marlins to the World Series championship, and he led Detroit to two American League pennants before he retired.