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The Nationals have announced that they have exercised Davey Johnson's contract option and that Johnson will return to skipper the team in 2012.
"After a series of discussions, it became obvious that the Nationals would be best served if Davey Johnson would continue as manager," general manager Mike Rizzo said in a team-issued press release. "Davey's remarkable connection to the clubhouse and D.C. community during the season's final three months was well received. His baseball acumen coupled with a proper off-season of planning, including a full regiment of spring training, should put our players in a position to succeed in 2012."
Johnson and Rizzo will speak to the media in an 11 a.m. conference call. Check back on MASNsports.com for updates throughout the day.
After taking over the Nationals following the unexpected resignation of manager Jim Riggleman on June 23, Johnson assumed the leadership reins on June 27 and piloted the team to a 40-43 record good for a third-place finish in the National League East. The Nationals won 15 of their final 20 games to finish 80-81, their best record since 2005, the team's first season in Washington, D.C.
