A wave of experience for Rizzo in next round of interviews

It appears that Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is focusing his attention on a few veteran managers in his next wave of interviews for the Nats' vacancy.

"We feel that where we're at in our timetable of winning a championship, we certainly would lean toward someone that has some type of managerial experience, especially at the major league level," Rizzo said last week. "But, again, we're going to be open-minded and look for the best candidate that we can that allows us to win a championship here in the very near future."

Dusty Baker would bring extensive experience as a player and a manager. After a 19-year career in the majors, which included two All-Star appearances and a World Series championship in 1981, Baker went on to manage for 20 years in the big leagues.

Baker compiled 1,671-1,504 record (.526) while managing the Giants, Cubs and Reds from 1993-2013. He took all three teams to the postseason, but only advanced to the World Series once, losing with San Francisco in 2002.

Baker was named National League Manager of the Year three times (1993, 1997, 2000). The 66-year-old hasn't managed since Cincinnati fired him after losing to the Pirates in the 2013 NL wild card game.

Rizzo could interview Baker as early as today, according to MLB.com.

Baker indicated he had spoken with the Nationals during an interview on SiriusXM Radio last Thursday.

"Nothing serious, nothing in earnest," he said.

Baker, who works as an analyst for TBS during the postseason, said during the same interview he would still like a shot to manage again.

"Like, I didn't stop managing in the first place," Baker said. "I was sort of stopped. You know how things go sometimes, so you just go on with your life, you don't worry about the past. You try to get over the hurt and the pain of being let go because it's a blow to your ego, especially when you're doing the best that you thought you could do."

Former Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is also nearing an interview, says MLB.com. Gardenhire, 57, was the 2010 American League Manager of the Year and guided Minnesota to six AL Central titles. However, after Gardenhire's last postseason appearance in 2010, his Twins went on to four straight 90-plus-loss seasons, leading to his dismissal in 2014.

Gardenhire's Twins went 1,068-1,039 during his 13 years as manager and 6-21 in the postseason.

Bud Black, who was fired by the Padres in May, is also expected to interview with the Nationals later this week, according to USA Today. The former major league pitcher went 649-713 in his nine seasons as Padres skipper. It was his first job as a major league manager.

Black was asked last week about his thoughts on the Nationals opening during his appearance on SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio.

"Very attractive position," he said. "Very good team. A great city."