:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46362270/GettyImages-493844377.0.jpg)
In 2015, the A's defense has been among the worst in baseball. Their Def rating is -20.5, and has become a major hurdle to their hopes of contending. To help change their fortunes however, they may turn to a familiar face.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An SF Chronicle exclusive: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Athketics?src=hash">#Athketics</a> are looking at Ron Washington to help shore up defense: <a href="http://t.co/LgFNsPLrut">http://t.co/LgFNsPLrut</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/sfchronicle">@sfchronicle</a></p>— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) <a href="https://twitter.com/susanslusser/status/600906951455703040">May 20, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
After leading the Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2011-2011, their window began to close. The team's worst overall performance came last season, and was underscored by Washington's resignation. On September 5th he stepped down as manager, and later admitted to having an extramarital affair. For almost eight seasons he was a stabilizing force for the Rangers, and losing him only added to their worsening year,
Despite leaving baseball just nine months ago, he seems intent on returning to the game. Earlier this March, Washington was quoted as saying "I'm hoping that the game doesn't turn its back on me, because I have a lot to offer." His name came up immediately after the Marlins fired Mike Redmond, but his future role appears to be on a much smaller scale.
He was first hired by the A's in 1996 to be their first base coach, and was then promoted to both third base and infield coach from 1997-2006. He helped Eric Chavez develop into a Gold Glove defender, as well as countless other players that came through their system. Washington is known for the joyful attitude he brings, and would likely be able to help calm their infielders down. With less than two months of the season completed, their infield has already combined for -8 DRS, and need to turn things around quickly.