Johnson named Sporting News NL Manager of the Year

Finally, some postseason recognition for the Nationals. Davey Johnson has been named National League Manager of the Year by The Sporting News. While this isn't the official baseball-sanctioned award - which is voted on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America and will be announced Nov. 13 - it's the first of what could be several nice honors following the team's best season since arriving in D.C. In his first full season at the Nationals' helm, Johnson guided them to a 98-64 record, best in the NL, and the franchise's first playoff berth since 1981, when they were the Montreal Expos. The award is selected by a panel of 17 major league managers. Only NL managers vote for the NL award. "To be recognized by my fellow comrades, a particularly accomplished bunch, makes this award especially meaningful," Johnson told The Sporting News. "I send my thanks to them and the folks at Sporting News, as well as the Lerner family and Mike Rizzo for giving me the opportunity to manage such a special, talented group of men. To put on the uniform every day and compete is an honor I never take for granted." Johnson received four votes, one more than Dusty Baker of the Reds. Tied for third with one vote apiece were Ron Roenicke of the Brewers and Bruce Bochy of the Giants. Buck Showalter of the Orioles was chosen American League Manager of the Year by The Sporting News.