Davey

Johnson

Johnson’s legendary managerial career spanned 17 seasons between five different clubs — Mets, Reds, Orioles, Dodgers and Nationals — from 1984-2013. He helped guide the Mets to their most recent World Series title in 1986 and was at the helm to lead the Nationals to their first postseason appearance in 2012. He was a four-time All-Star during a 13-year playing career from 1965-1978. Our thoughts are with the entire Johnson family at this time.

Ladson hears that the two sides remain in talks about a deal beyond 2014. Rizzo’s current contract includes a club option for 2015. Rizzo took over as GM in 2009 and has helped develop the once bottom-dwelling organization into one of the best teams in the game.

Knobler notes that Diamondbacks third base coach Matt Williams is “still considered the leading candidate” to take over for Johnson, but it’s “no longer a given” that they will look outside the organization. Knorr managed for six years in the Nationals’ minor league system and was Johnson’s bench coach for the past two seasons.

Kaplan also notes that the Reds, who fired Dusty Baker Friday, “may be calling shortly.” The Cubs are also expected to make a push to hire Girardi and might be the only team capable of luring him away from the Yankees, as he’s from the Chicago area. Girardi and the Yankees began discussions about a new contract earlier this week.

Williams and Nationals bench coach Randy Knorr have been viewed as early favorites for the gig from the beginning. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo was the Diamondbacks’ scouting director when Williams played in Arizona, so he’s familiar with the 47-year-old. Former Astros catcher Brad Ausmus has also interviewed for the job.

The interview took place sometime in the past two weeks. Prior to joining the Blue Jays, Hale was the third base coach with the Orioles in 2012 and served on the major league staff with the Red Sox from 2006-2011. He is the fifth known candidate for the job, joining Nationals third base coach Trent Jewett, bench coach Randy Knorr, Diamondbacks third base coach Matt Williams, and Padres executive Brad Ausmus.

The Nationals have interviewed three other candidates, including bench coach Randy Knorr, Padres executive Brad Ausmus, and Diamondbacks third base coach Matt Williams. Current speculation pegs Williams as the favorite for the job.

He also notes that the Nats are hoping Randy Knorr, who was probably the runner-up choice, will remain as bench coach. Williams was playing in Arizona when general manager Mike Rizzo was the scouting director there, and that familiarity with each other surely worked in Williams’ favor. He’s been a coach with the D’Backs since 2010 but has never managed at any level save for a two-month interim bit at Double-A and a turn in the Arizona Fall League.

Martinez, a widely-respected baseball man, has also been interviewed for the Cubs’ managerial vacancy. The Nationals are known to be considering Blue Jays bench coach DeMarlo Hale, Padres special assistant Brad Ausmus and Diamondbacks third base coach Matt Williams, along with a number of internal candidates.

Citing a source, Rosenthal said Ausmus either already has interview or will soon interview for the position. It’s the first real news that’s come out of the Nationals’ manager search since it was reported they had interest in recently re-signed Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Ausmus has been a special assistant to the general manager within the Padres organization since 2010 and also managed Israel’s World Baseball Classic team this past year.