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The Nationals officially announced Davey Johnson as their new manager a few minutes ago, saying he will serve as the manager for the remainder of the 2011 season. The deal also says Johnson has a three-year consulting contract with the Nationals that will "allow him to participate in the hiring of his successor," according to a news release.
General manager Mike Rizzo has said that Johnson, who hasn't managed since 2000, could return as the team's manager in 2012, but the structure of the deal gives the 68-year-old an out if he decides he doesn't want to commit to a full season of running the team next year.
According to the release, Rizzo talked with Johnson about the possibility of managing immediately after Jim Riggleman's resignation on Thursday. Johnson agreed to manage for the final three months, and evaluate management needs after the season.
"We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Davey Johnson as a member of our staff and one who can provide so much immediate leadership and credibility," managing principal owner Ted Lerner said in the release. "He has been valuable as an advisor, and he'll be even more valuable as our field manager. I believe our fans and our players will love having him at the helm and will feel confident with his leadership."
