Everson out as manager

The worst-kept secret in the Frontier League became official today as the Wild Things announced that Darin Everson will not return for a third season as the team's manager.

Everson managed the Wild Things to an 80-110 record and a pair of fifth-place finishes in the East Division during his two seasons with Washington. A former manager in the Florida Marlins' minor-league system, Everson guided the Wild Things to a 38-57 record in 2010. This year, Washington improved to 42-53 and were 13 1/2 games behind division winner Joliet.

“After several discussions, we decided it would be better to part ways,” said Stuart Williams, managing partner of the Wild Things. “Darin is a fine man, and we wish him the best as he moves on.”

While Everson was able to put together highly competitive pitching staffs, his teams were never able to generate enough offense to become a playoff contender in a league long known for its high-scoring games. In 2010, Washington finished next-to-last in the 12-team league in runs scored. This season, the Wild Things were last in batting average, runs, hits, walks, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

The lack of offense was why Washington, despite having perhaps the best starting pitching in the league, never topped the .500 mark all season. The Wild Things led the league in ERA and set the league record for most quality starts.

Everson, who acted as his own director of baseball operations this year, seemed to be hamstrung by a lack of connections to pro scouts and affiliated organizations. Far too often during the season, the Wild Things signed players with little or no pro experience instead of players recently released by major league organizations.

Despite this, Washington did have a successful season this year in one area: Everson helped four pitchers -- Vidal Nuno (Yankees), Alan Williams (Brewers), Mark Williams (Brewers) and Casey Barnes (Phillies) -- get signed by major league organizations. Until this year, Washington never had more than two of its players picked up during a season.

Washington already has started its search for a new manager, the sixth in franchise history.

"I want to thank the front office staff, the fans, and especially the players we have had in Washington the past two years," Everson said. "They have made my two seasons there very special. I will be exploring other baseball opportunities in the future and will always wish the Wild Things the best."