While there was early word that some in the organization favored Baker and things appeared to be heading his way, according to Nats-connected sources the initial salary discussions with Baker began with an immense gap, thus bringing Black back into the picture. It isn't known whether they made Baker the first official offer, but word is those early financial discussions with Baker at least opened the door for Black.
Then last Wednesday, the Nats told Black they would be making him an offer to become the team's manager, and soon after several media entities reported the job was going to be Black's. However, Black on Thursday was given a one-year offer, a term so short to be practically unprecedented. That offer was reported by USA Today to have been for $1.6 million.
Black still wanted the job, but by early Friday, when the sides were still apart, he called to tell them he was bowing out. However, that wasn't nearly the end of it. Later Friday, according to sources, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo called Black to try to work things out, and the sides re-started talks.
Black and the Nats talked over the next couple days, with proposals and counterproposals exchanged. However, after Black, who had originally sought a three-year deal, didn't quickly accept their next offer and instead apparently countered it -- it is believed the Nats came off the straight one-year offer, and talked about offers with options and buyouts, and may have gotten up to two guaranteed years at some point -- the Nats then turned back to Baker.
Black was said to be awaiting a possible call from the team Monday to see where things stood. But he didn't hear from the team until around 9 p.m. his time (he lives in San Diego), when Rizzo is said to have called to tell him they were going in another direction, and to apologize for all the twists and turns.
Neither Black, Baker or Rizzo returned messages. CBS Sports reported late Monday that the Nats were on the verge of hiring Baker, and the team announced the surprise hiring at 8 a.m. eastern time Tuesday.