SATURDAY: The Nationals have officially announced that Johnson will return next season. It will be his final year as field manager, then he will shift to a consultant role in 2014.
FRIDAY: The Nationals and manager Davey Johnson have agreed to terms on a new contract, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (via Twitter). This season will likely mark the last for Johnson as manager of the Nats, a source told Bill Ladson of MLB.com (via Twitter). The skipper will celebrate his 70th birthday in January.
Earlier this week, both Johnson and General Manager Mike Rizzo expressed confidence that a contract would be worked out in the coming days. Johnson first joined the Nationals as a member of their front office before moving into the dugout of June 2011 after the sudden resignation of Jim Riggleman. This past season, Johnson guided the Nats to their first division title in D.C. and their first as a franchise since 1981.
Mike Axisa contributed to this post.
Good for them! Nationals have a good, young team, and bringing back the manager who helped guide them to their first PO berth bodes well for next year.
Here’s to another competitive year in the NL East in 2013! Go Braves!
Didn’t the real Expos technically win in 1994?
Not technically. Most fans just give the unofficial championship.
We are the Washington Nationals and are very happy to have Davey back for at least one more year. Hopefully more!
Obvious decision.. lol
I hope he stays longer. nothing better then a experienced leader teaching and molding a group of young players.