Davey Johnson named Senior Advisor to Rizzo (Updated)
The Nats have signed Davey Johnson as a senior advisor to General Manager Mike Rizzo.
Davey is a former World Series winning player and manager and joins the Nats after managing Team USA to a semifinal berth in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Johnson served as skipper for the Mets, Reds, Orioles and Dodgers for 14 seasons, managing to 1,148 wins and a .564 winning percentage.
Davey's clubs finished in first or second place 11 times, including five division titles, one pennant and one World Championship in 1986 with the Mets (with MASN's Ray Knight as player, of course!).
Davey also hit .261 as a second basemen and designated hitter during a 13-year playing career. He played for the Orioles, Braves, Phillies and Cubs. He won two World Series rings with the Orioles in 1966 and 1970.
Update:
Davey on Stephen Strasburg:
"When I first laid eyes on him I was nervous. He looked so good, he had great command. He looked like an advanced Dwight Gooden at his age.
I was sitting with pitching coach Rene Lachemann and Stephen had a no hitter through six innings and I turned to Rene and said, 'are you as nervous as I am? I got to get him out of there!!'
Everything about this kid is outstanding. He's got everything a #1 overall selection should have."
What was the biggest reason for taking the job:
"I love the area. I have been working for the Nats off and on for a number of years. I like the challenge. I would like to see the Nats rise to the top of a tough division. It is a great opportunity. I want to do anything I can do to help them.
General Manager Mike Rizzo on why he hired Davey Johnson:
"Davey makes me a smarter GM. His knowledge on the field and talent evaluation is invaluable to us. He is a deep thinker and he has worked in every aspect in the game. To be around his knowledge and database just makes all of us that much better."
Any more hirings in the front office?
"The front office is complete now. We may add a scout or two, but the front office in Washington is complete."
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Categories (click for archive)Byron Kerr | Nationals News |
Byron, Could you ask Mr. Rizzo what the plans are for the Pacific Rim. They haven't announced a scouting director.
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Yes, I will check in on their plans for the Pacific Rim, good idea! Thanks for the question as always.