Changes are coming

There are two innings to go in the 2008 season, and not a moment too soon for a Nats team that can't wait to put this behind them and move on. To that end, we are expecting a major announcement from GM Jim Bowden after the game, with the fate of the coaching staff to be addressed. I believe there's a good chance that everyone but manager Manny Acta and pitching coach Randy St. Claire have been informed they won't be returning, which would constitute a pretty significant shake-up. That would mean the Nats will be in the market for a new hitting coach, bench coach, both base coaches and bullpen coach. I'll update as soon as I can confirm anything. UPDATE AT 4 P.M. The Nats just made the announcement official: Pat Corrales, Jerry Morales, Lenny Harris, Tim Tolman and Rick Aponte all won't be back in 2009. Also not returning will be strength and conditioning coach Kau Tomooka and video coordinator Tom Yost. "I appreciate the hard work the coaches gave us the last couple of years," GM Jim Bowden said. "We just felt at this time that a change was necessary." Bowden said it's possible some of the coaches could remain with the organization in another capacity, but those decisions won't be made until next week at the earliest.