Washington: Angels' focus is to 'run the West down'
Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington is already putting the rest of the American League West on notice.
"Once we get things together and we get these guys together in spring training, our whole focus is gonna be to run the West down, and you can take that to the bank and deposit it," Washington said Wednesday at his introductory press conference, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger.
The Angels haven't made the postseason or won a division title since 2014. The club endured another disappointing season in 2023, finishing 73-89 for a second consecutive campaign.
The Angels are also facing the possibility of AL MVP favorite Shohei Ohtani departing via free agency this offseason after six years with the club.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the roster, Angels general manager Perry Minasian is confident in Washington's ability to lead the franchise on the field.
"This guy empties the tank every day," Minasian said. "From the minute he wakes up, to the minute he goes to bed, he gives everything he has to each and every person. Whether it's the 26th guy on the roster, whether it's the bat boy, whoever it is in the building, he gives everything he has. I can't give a bigger compliment than that."
Washington spent the last seven seasons as the third base coach for the Atlanta Braves. The 71-year-old previously managed the Texas Rangers from 2007-14, leading the club to consecutive World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.