I predicted Davey Johnson would be the Washington Nationals manager as far back as 2006. I figured it would be for 2007 though. So, I was off by 4 years…

Johnson coming back was a foregone conclusion the moment he signed on after Jim Riggleman resigned. He’s talking big already — the 2012 pennant? Creating expectations is good, but it creating unreasonable expectations good? Of course, he’s done pretty well everybody he’s been but one place, but as I said in that link above, I think he underachieved with the New York Mets? Just 2 division titles with that pitching staff and only one pennant. Now, that’s not all on him, I doubt he said “hey, Daryl, Doc, check out this awesome cocaine!”

Over at The Nats Blog, Will Yoder makes the case that a 2012 pennant isn’t totally absurd.

Thomas Boswell is happy t and thinks Johnson competitiveness will remain despite mellowing.

Face of the franchise Ryan Zimmerman is happy to have a manager (Nationals Journal, The Post) who won’t be looking over his shoulder all the time.

Whether the Nats become contenders has yet to be seen, but if it all goes wrong, Johnson vs. Rizzo could be EPIC.

Other than the bench coach, Pat Corrales, the coaching staff returns (Nationals Journal, The Post). Randy Knorr, who has managed throughout the Nats system, seems like a candidate for that spot as well as Johnson’s successor. That means Rick Eckstein is back as hitting coach which is not terribly exciting. Still better than Lenny Harris though.

MORE COVERAGE
Washington Nationals name Davey Johnson manager for 2012 season – The Post
Johnson to stay on with Nationals –