Davey Johnson to continue as Washington Nationals’ skipper in 2012 – MLB Update
The Washington Nationals, showing consistency, officially announced manager Davey Johnson to remain an integral part of the ballclub for the 2012 season on Monday, October 31, ending speculations which had taken a toll regarding the future of the manager.
The Nationals failed to perform decently in the first half of the season, but resurfaced strongly after the All-Star break. However, they failed to qualify for the postseason and it now remains to be seen if Johnson can help the team qualify for the playoffs
in 2012.
Bringing Johnson back to the team depicts the solid character of the team and will ensure that the Nationals remain on the path they started to win a postseason berth. Soon after being announced manager for the 2012 season, Johnson articulated loud and clear
that his aim is to win the National League pennant.
Washington’s management had ample time to conduct a managerial search after the team had nothing much to do after September 28, when the regular season ended. Johnson’s three-year contract included an option for the 2012 season, but in compliance with Major
League Baseball’s hiring procedure, the team had to conduct a research even if Johnson’s name was included.
Nationals’ general manager Mike Rizzo announced that the committee has conducted a research for various candidates suitable for the managerial position and after a series of discussions and meetings, Johnson has been deemed as the most suitable choice for
Washington.
Rizzo said, “It couldn’t have been a smoother, easier decision for me to bring Davey on midseason, and it was just as comfortable and easy decision after the season to pick up the option and make Davey the leader of the ballclub for 2012.”
Johnson, one of Rizzo’s most trusted advisors, was clear in his goals for the next season. He asserted that he wants to win the division followed by the pennant, but did not comment on winning the World Series.
The 68-year-old manager opined that he could not have set these aims last year because the talent was not ready. Nevertheless, the players have shown progress and the team now has the talent and the ability to counter any opposition.
Tags: