Davey Johnson and Washington Nationals clinch one-year deal, according to sources - MLB Update
Finally Davey Johnson has been asked to lead Washington Nationals for one more year as skipper. According to the reports, he has inked a one year deal and at the end of it he will leave his managerial job for good.
Johnson was part and parcel of success enjoyed by the Nationals in 2012 regular season. Thanks to his inspirational leadership, Nationals experienced playing in the playoffs for the first time in the last many years.
While the Nationals hosted talented players on their roster, he was the main reason why most of the team members delivered at their potential during the season.
Among his achievements is the timing he selected to introduce rookie outfielder Bryce Harper at the Major League level. Even more important was the fact that he allowed him ample room to show off his prodigy to the world and earn appreciation.
Against the backdrop of a fabulous season enjoyed by the Nationals under him, it was easy to predict that Johnson will be retained.
Even as the season was in progress, reports were coming that confirmed the notion that Washington is keen to keep Johnson as manager for another year.
Johnson was himself hopeful that he will get the call. He was of the view that he could not take the Nationals to a level that he wanted. By being given another opportunity, he can help them go deep in the post-season and clinch something substantial.
Johnson uttered last month that he has not achieved his goal yet with regard to the Nationals.
"Is there some unfinished business? Yeah, there's some unfinished business," he stated. "But that'll be up to ownership. That ball is in their court. I don't have a bad feeling, and I don't mind waiting until November like last year."
The fact Johnson is more familiar with the culture of the clubhouse can allow him to manage players appropriately. What makes him an ideal choice as skipper is the fact that majority of the players like to work under Johnson. They have expressed their desire
openly to see Johnson managing them for the upcoming season.
Certainly it is nothing short of a challenge for Johnson to live up to expectations. It will be interesting to see as to what extent he can be successful.
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