Johnny Holliday

The new skipper and an update on Jack

by Johnny Holliday

Any day now, we will find out who the Nationals' skipper will be for 2010.

It's nice to know that Jim Riggleman is still under consideration to have his interim label removed and to be given the job on a permanent basis.

Both Mike Rizzo and Stan Kasten are well aware of what Jim did after the All-Star break to keep the team focused and competitive, especially after Nyjer Morgan went down with that broken hand! But as Mike said, they will get the man they feel is best suited for the job.

Speaking of new managers, Congratulations go to Manny Acta, who has signed on to manage the Cleveland Indians. We all wish Manny well.

As for the Nationals new skipper, whoever that might be, the manager will get a ballclub full of potential with young emerging stars with which to work.

Ryan Zimmerman heads up the list, along with Adam Dunn and Josh Wilingham. Congratulations to Ryan on his nomination for the Jefferson Award and best wishes for a successfull Golf Tournament.

Nyjer will be 100% when spring training rolls around, and that young pitching staff will only get better, led by John Lannan, Craig Stammen and company.

On another note I still get emails and letters from you Nats fans asking about my grandson, 11-year-old Jack Rolle. I am happy to report his radiation treatments at Mass General Hospital in Boston are coming to an end. He has handled them like a trooper.

His final treatment will occur on November 3. Then he comes back home ro resume the life of a normal fifth grader, cancer-free. Thank God for that.

His address up in Boston is 1 Emerson Place, Apartment 2-M, Boston Mass, 02114. He really looks forward to getting those cards and letters.

Here it is, almost November - spring training is just around the corner. I can't wait, how 'bout you?

-Johnny Holliday