Alex Cora has ties to the Nationals and Mike Rizzo's respect

When names are floated as the potential next manager of the Washington Nationals, none has the ties to the organization as Alex Cora. Sure Cora only played one of his 14 years in the majors with the Nationals, but he quickly and clearly made an impression.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo signed Cora before spring training in 2011 and the veteran infielder batted .224 in 91 games in what ended up as his last season in the majors. But Rizzo took note of Cora's work around the field as a leader, particularly mentoring younger players and instructing them on the intricacies of the game. Consider what the Nats GM had to say about Cora during an interview with MLB.com in April 2011.

"I think it comes natural to him to be a teacher," Rizzo told MLB.com. "Alex still has a lot left in his tank as a player. But he has my number, and when he's done playing, he can make a call. It will be well-received."

Cora bounced around spring training the following year with the Cardinals and Tigers before hanging up on a career that included a World Series championship with the Red Sox in 2007. He currently serves as general manager and manager of the Criollos de Caguas of the Puerto Rican winter baseball league and appears as an analyst on ESPN.

Cora has no experience managing in the minors or majors, but is highly regarded around the game. The Padres interviewed Cora earlier this week for their managerial vacancy and the Marlins are expected to as well. Cora played at the University of Miami where he helped the Hurricanes to the 1996 College World Series title game.

Cora also interviewed with the Texas Rangers last offseason before they hired Jeff Banister as manager.

FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal was first to report that the Nationals will interview Cora. If hired by the Nats or any other team, the 39-year-old Cora would become the second youngest manager in the majors (Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash is 37).

Cora's older brother Joey also had a successful 11-year career in the big leagues and is considered a potentially strong candidate as a major league manager after spending several years as a coach.

The Nationals have reportedly interviewed veteran managers Dusty Baker and Bud Black along with highly regarded Diamondbacks minor league skipper Phil Nevin. Giants bench coach Ron Wotus, who owns three World Series rings, is expected to meet with Rizzo on Monday.