The Washington Nationals are acting fast to secure a manager after Jim Riggleman's sudden resignation on Thursday. Riggleman called it quits following the Nationals' sweep of the Seattle Mariners after tensions with the front office boiled over, reportedly because the team was unwilling to discuss contract option. John McLaren was named the interim manager shortly after Riggleman's resignation, but now it appears Davey Johnson will take the reins on a more permanent basis.
According to a report from ESPN, Johnson is expected to be named the manager of the Nationals and will hold the post for the rest of this season and next.
The Washington Nationals will name Davey Johnson as their new manager, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Johnson, 68, will manage the team for the rest of the season and next season, subject to league approval.
Johnson is walking into a good situation, at least in terms of the product on the field. The Nationals are streaking and are back above .500 after the sweep of the Mariners. Though it's unknown how Riggleman's sudden departure and dispute with the front office will affect the psyche of the team, if it will at all, the Nationals have been a pleasant surprise to this point in the season, and Johnson is set up for success as the team's skipper.
Johnson - who has been rumored as a possibility to fill countless managerial vacancies over the years - last managed the Dodgers in 2000. In 1986, he won the World Series as manager of the Mets. He has lately been serving as a senior advisor to general manager Mike Rizzo with the Nationals.
For more on the Nationals' managerial rollercoaster, head over to SB Nation's Federal Baseball.