Davey Johnson clinches Sporting News Manager of the Year Award from National League-MLB Update
As recognition of his terrific performance as manager of Washington Nationals, Davey Johnson has been awarded Sporting News Manager of the Year award in National League.
He worked hard with the Nationals all through the year as he ended up taking them into the post-season with an amazing win-loss record.
He managed a club that hosts young players. Knowing that what it takes to squeeze the best out of the emerging stars, he was proactive in offering words of motivation to them. He helped them improve their techniques and know the ways to tackle the pressure.
Under him, the Nationals saw Ian Desmond and Bryce Harper unleashing their excellence.
Right from Spring Training until the conclusion of the season, he was part and parcel of the activities related to guiding players and encouraging them.
Shortstop Desmond worked closely with Johnson in Spring Training in order to work out an ideal composure at the plate. The fact Desmond turned out to be one of the most consistent performers for Washington during the season shows that Johnson did have a
part in his improvements at the plate.
Apart from this, Johnson made an effective use of the pitchers. Though most of the hurlers on the Nationals’ rotation are extremely talented, it is hard to overlook the contribution of Johnson in aiding them post incredible pitching numbers.
Gio Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg led the Nationals to wins frequently. In particular, at the beginning of the season, they took them way ahead of the rest of the competitors in the Division in terms of winning percentage.
Johnson exhibited his maestro by putting them against the oppositions they could challenge and record wins easily.
Above all, Johnson maintained the distinction during the season of having incredible contingency plans.
Whenever the injuries hampered progress of the Nationals, he had back up players who then lived up to the challenges.
He never let the Nationals grow depended on a handful of players. Instead a proper team combination was developed by him.
The announcement that Johnson is the Sporting News Manager of the Year can help him earn another chance as skipper for the Nationals next year.
It will be interesting to see the decision that is to be made by the club in this regard.
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