The Washington Nationals will name Davey Johnson as manager for the 2012 season, reports William Ladson, citing "a baseball source." The MLB.com scribe says the Nationals will announce the hire upon the conclusion of the World Series, which could take place as soon as Thursday.
Johnson served as Washington's interim manager after Jim Riggleman abruptly resigned in June, guiding the team to a 40-43 finish to the season. Though he's managed at the Major League level for 15 seasons, he had not managed a team since the 2000 Los Angeles Dodgers prior to filling in for Riggleman. His career record stands at 1188-931 and includes a World Series championship with the 1986 New York Mets.
Last Thursday, Rizzo told Mark Zuckerman that he had interviewed other candidates for the club's managerial position, though no word of precisely who else the Nationals considered has yet surfaced. However, it's long been suspected that Washington would invite Johnson to return.
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