Are you and Jon Daniels on the same page? [Wash] “Nothing has changed. I feel the same about Jon Daniels as I did when I got here. He has his opinions and I have my opinions. I haven’t changed how I feel about Jon Daniels.”

Have you begun the self-assessment process? [Wash] “Yes. If I could change something based on how we played down the stretch, I could have not had my regulars play as many games as they played. If I could have gotten them more rest throughout the season I would go back and try to do that. That’s something that I will try to apply next year and see where it goes.”

How did Wash do this year? [JD] “Very similar to the job that he’s done the last few years. There are things that I would have done differently and Wash has been going through the self-evaluation process himself. Wash is accountable and open. At the end of the day, we didn’t get it done as an organization. I appreciate that he said that he ran them into the ground but that was just one of the reasons. If we had just won one more game throughout the season maybe it wouldn’t have mattered. Overall, I’m very pleased with the way that Wash has done and will continue to do.”

Has there been a philosophical change within the organization: [Nolan] “We are all pretty much on the same page. We all have opinions that we will express as we move forward but we are all on the same page.”

This is a good sign for those of us who like Wash. I was disturbed when he said that players who were too tired this time of year didn't deserve to be in the post season (paraphrase). That was throwing his players under the bus while failing to take accountability for himself.

Resting players benefits the regulars but also the bench players as it gets them into the game, gives them a sense of being part of something, and allows the management to judge what they have in reserve. It gives bench players a way to play their way into more time (see David Murphy). The same theory applies to the bullpen. Look at the job Showalter has done in Baltimore. You get the feeling he can put anyone in at any time.

I am no Wash fan, but it was refreshing to hear him take responsibility for his actions.

I was slightly encouraged based on his statements. He seemed to give the indication that he will be willing to work unproven guys into the lineup. Better late than never.