It's late and the Nats are still playing baseball after two blown saves in two innings from Storen and Coffey. But that's not the big news. As the beat writers reported earlier, Davey Johnson has been tapped to take over as Nats manager (possibly tomorrow - giving the Nats 4 managers in 3 days after McLaren's ejection).
But, what you might not know is what SI.com writer Jon Heyman reported a few hours later - that Johnson won't have the interim tag applied to his name. Yes, Mike Rizzo got his guy and he is signed through 2013 as the Nats Manager, when he is 70 years old.
[UPDATE - 10:26] It has been reported this AM that Johnson has a club option for 2013 instead of a guaranteed contract.
Johnson, 68, last managed in the Bigs for the Dodgers in 2000 and owns a career .564 Winning Percentage (595-417); .119 points higher than Jim Riggleman. Expect an old school and disciplined manager.
In the span of a week the average age of NL East managers sure jumped...
What are your late night thoughts on Davey Johnson being signed through 2013?
Good memories of the 1997 Orioles wire-to-wire season under Davey, even though they lost in the ALCS. That was, of course, the year of Davey's firing on the day he was named Manager of the Year.
ReplyDeleteBottom line: It's the same promising team as it was two days ago. Full steam ahead!