The Nats writer who hated his job says goodbye...

But what a blog post he exits with... Chico, you're a good guy. (No, I'm not him.)

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/nationalsjournal/2010/02/a_goodbye.html?wprss=nationalsjournal

 

Is he leaving the paper or changing beats? To what and why?
Chico is an OUTSTANDING writer.

 

That was a nice read.

Doesn't sound at all like a guy who hated his job.

 

1: They have a correspondent in Tokyo? In this economy? ... Jebus.
2: What type of writing is that? Business? General assign?
3: Lucky Bastard ... Oh to be young and single with the chance for a gig like that...
3: Congrats... Harlan is my favorite newspaper writer working. I have enjoyed his stuff since I found him at the P-G. I

 

If pedigree means anything, TR Reid was a Washington Post Tokyo correspondent. I don't know if the public knows much about him, but he's one the best American journalists in my lifetime.

As a Post reader for 30+ years and Nats follower, his writing will be missed.

 

i agree 100 percent about t.r. reid. his health care book bored me to tears because i'm not a policy wonk but his newspaper pieces (and NPR reporting) have always been terrific.

 

Very classy parting words from Chico. The WP foreign bureau just got a nice upgrade. Best of luck to one of the finest young talents around.

 

Seconded.

 

I certainly hope Chico's stint covering the Nationals is remembered more for the grace and humor he brought to the beat than an off-hand comment about his passion for food. The bar had seemingly been set unmatchably high by Barry Svrluga, but I think anyone who read Chico -- and not just Deadspin entries about him -- knows that he is leaving the beat in a better place than when he acquired it. He's a brilliant reporter who on occasion may be mistaken for just a writer. Chico told some of the best stories of the last two years when confined to stadiums of 40,000 people and 25-man rosters. Imagine the opportunities he'll create for himself roaming a continent of 4 billion people.

Best of luck, Chico. Next time I hear an old-school Toby Keith song, I'll imagine I'm raising a Lonestar and will think of you.