Mattingly’s Option Vests; Return In 2014 Still Uncertain

With Dodgers brass addressing the media today following their defeat at the hands of the Cardinals in the NLCS, manager Don Mattingly told reporters, including Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times, that his $1.4MM option for the 2014 season vested when the Dodgers won the National League Division Series. However, Mattingly added that his return in 2014 wasn't a sure thing, as he didn't enjoy his status as a lame-duck manager on a one-year deal in 2013. He said that he would like his entire coaching staff to return as well, but GM Ned Colletti declined comment when asked if he felt the same (All Twitter links).

As Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle notes (on Twitter), Mattingly's delivered his candid comment while sitting just six feet away from Colletti. Schulman adds the following quote from Mattingly, noting that he's basically challenging ownership and Colletti to give him a contract extension: "I love it here, but I don't want to be anywhere I'm not wanted."

Mattingly's contract status has been an ongoing narrative for quite some time, given the Dodgers' surge to the NL West title and an NLCS berth following a dreadful start. Given the plethora of open managerial positions around the league — the Nats, Mariners, Tigers, Reds and Cubs are all hunting for new skippers — Mattingly figures to have plenty of leverage in negotiating an extension with the Dodgers. He'd also have ample opportunity to find a managerial position with another club, should the Dodgers stick to their guns and try to keep him on a one-year deal.