Oakland A's notes: Ron Washington to interview for Braves' manager position

The Oakland A's offseason is off to a loud start, though not quite as loud as that of the Diamondbacks. Let's dive in.

Ron Washington to interview for the Braves' managerial opening

Since his arrival in Oakland and during his miraculous Marcus Semien transformation, Wash has maintained his desire to hop back in the managerial chair. He may have that opportunity in Atlanta, per Mark Bowman.

The Braves will interview Ron Washington and Bud Black this week.

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) October 3, 2016

With a crop of young infielders coming through the ranks, Wash would certainly be a welcome Athletic coach for years to come. His effect has been obvious and it's not a surprise that other teams have come calling already.

According to MLBTR, the Braves have already interviewed four internal candidates including interim manager Brian Snitker. Snitker has been praised for his work over the past few months, and has a supposed early lead on winning the role.

With a new stadium and a solid batch of young talent nearing the majors, Atlanta should be a fairly desirable job, though the big club is still a bit away from contention.

Ryon Healy wins Rookie of the Month honors

Ryon Healy wins AL Rookie of the Month honors.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) October 3, 2016

Well deserved for the A's third baseman. In September, Healy hit .355 with a 163 wRC+. He'll likely be shut out in Rookie of the Year voting, but there's no doubt that Healy had a fantastic season.

Some positional updates

-Jed Lowrie is still very much an Oakland A and looks to be the early favorite for the starting role next season.

Melvin calls Jed Lowrie " probably the prime option" at second base, adds, "though I thought Joey Wendle handled himself really well."

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) October 3, 2016

It shouldn't be that much of a surprise: Lowrie is still under contract for 2017, and, health provided, he's a guy who could put up league average production at second. That said, Wendle was exciting in his limited time and Lowrie struggled to maintain production, likely in part due to his health issues.

Lowrie being the starter would make for some interesting roster decisions. While a fine second baseman, Wendle's lack of positional flexibility makes him a poor backup middle infielder and his chances at making the roster are slim if Lowrie wins the job. That would probably put Chad Pinder as the backup infielder, though his poor big league showing in a tiny sample size makes him less than a sure thing.

-Andrew Triggs will get a shot at the rotation in 2017, per Slusser.

An uneventful season-wrap session w/ Forst/Beane but interesting tidbit: sounds as if Andrew Triggs definitely in running for rotation spot.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) October 3, 2016

With the A's rotational depth issues this year, it's no surprise Triggs will get a crack at starting. He was one of the better performers after getting the chance to start and fully earned a long look in 2017.

By the way, if you're looking for something to listen to, I'd highly recommend Triggs jumping on The Ringer MLB Show with Ben Lindbergh and Michael Baumann. Lindbergh is one of the beset interviewers out there, and Triggs is thoughtful, smart, and interesting.

-Finally, the A's are open to finding more starting pitching depth.

Beane says he feels good about young pitching depth #Athletics have built, but that they could still look for veteran starter if right guy

— Joe Stiglich (@JoeStiglichCSN) October 3, 2016

After the success of Rich Hill and the difficulties with injuries, it's no surprise the A's may look to add more pieces. The free agent crop this year is fairly barren, but there are intriguing options out there and the A's have a history of finding studs in the ashes.