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The addition of veteran scout Ron Rizzi to the Nationals' brain trust is yet another example of the ballclub's commitment to building a winner for the long term.
Rizzi, who's scouted for the Dodgers, Brewers and Pirates over a long career in the game, has been singled out many times by Dodger GM Ned Colletti as being an integral part of that franchise's four trips to the postseason over the past seven seasons. I can only imagine that the uncertainty of current Dodgers ownership played a part in his even being available. Nats' GM Mike Rizzo acted quickly when contracts expired Oct. 31.
Rizzi is a native New Yorker who grew up in the shadow of Yankee Stadium and attended Columbia University. He's considered one of the top talent evaluators in the business, and his success in finding nuggets in Latin America is legendary.
If you've ever met Rizzi you know that his passion for the sport is genuine. What he brings to the Nationals - beyond decades of experience - is a solid pro who knows that a player's makeup is frequently as important as the numbers he generates statistically. If the Nats do nothing else this offseason, this hire gives them a solid passing grade.
