Nationals reportedly interview Phil Nevin

By Josh Land

Nationals

October 13, 2015, 11:03am

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After firing Matt Williams eight days ago, Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo indicated that his next skipper would likely have previous experience managing in the majors.

It seems Rizzo has taken a different approach with his first interview. According to a report from USA Today, Phil Nevin, who has never managed past Triple-A, recently met with Rizzo about the opening.

The Astros made Nevin the top pick in the 1992 First-Year Player Draft after a stellar career at Cal State Fullerton, where he was named Most Outstanding Player in the College World Series. The versatile Nevin played as an infielder and outfielder for seven teams over his 12 seasons in the majors, which included an All-Star appearance with the Padres in 2001.

Nevin remained in the game as a broadcaster after his retirement in 2007. He began his managing career in the independent baseball league in 2008. By 2010, the Tigers hired Nevin as manager of Double-A Eerie. The next year, Detroit promoted him to manage Triple-A Toledo.

Nevin went 192-238 as manager of the Mud Hens and was fired after the 2013 season. The Diamondbacks quickly hired him to manage Triple-A Reno in 2014. He has compiled a 151-137 record in two seasons as Reno's skipper.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale calls Nevin "the hottest managerial candidate in the majors." He has reportedly already met with the Marlins about their vacancy with upcoming interviews set with the Mariners and Padres.