Washington Nationals’ Davey Johnson upbeat of yielding positive results in 2012 – MLB update
Washington Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson did not get a team of his choice when he took charge of the team during midseason. The Nationals were in a mess when Johnson began his job, but instilled calm in the dugout by the time the regular season ended,
amassing a decent 40-43 record for the 83 games that he managed.
Now that the management has given Johnson a nod for 2012, the manager is in a position to shape up a roster that suits his style of play. Plans to finalise the roster are underway and the first challenge that the management needs to adhere to is to deal
with the eight free agents and then prepare a list of players which are on Johnson’s wish list.
Although Johnson was officially named as manager for the Nationals this past season, he was affiliated with the ballclub as an adviser to general manager Mike Rizzo since 2009, when the latter took charge of the affairs at Washington.
Johnson is well aware of the tactics involved in baseball, his 1986 World Series win with the New York Mets being a classic example of his managerial skills. As soon as he was given an extension for the 2012 season, Johnson did not waste time and asserted
that his aim was to win the division, pennant and then perform amicably in the World Series. He continued that this proposition was not possible in 2011 because he needed time to adjust with the players. Now that the teething problems are gone, Johnson believes
that the team is talented enough to win the pennant, as a minimum.
Explaining his choice of sticking with Johnson, Rizzo stated that the only doubt he had in mind was the manager’s fitness and focus on the field. With that being proved in this past season, there is no reason why the ballclub should ponder over other options.
Appreciating Rizzo’s support, Johnson said, “We haven’t’ even come close to the ceiling we’re going to get to. I really feel like I’m kind of their father figure. They respect me, and I’m the guy to kind of steer them along their path.”
Johnson asserted that his managing style is unique and that he is confident of yielding good results for the franchise in the next season. It will be interesting to see how things unfold in 2012.
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