Davey Johnson: 'Fire Me' Promise
The manager of the Washington Nationals has stated that if his baseball team does not make it to the playoffs, he can be fired.
While talking to a CSN Washington reporter about the Nationals making it to the postseason, Johnson said, "No question in my mind. You know, they can fire me."
The reporter noted, "Strong words."
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"Yeah," agreed the manager. "I mean, we should make the playoffs. There's no doubt in my mind."
With springtime comes the new baseball season, and the Nationals are optimistic despite not having made it to the playoffs since 1981.
General Manager and Executive Vice President of baseball operations for the Washington Nationals answered questions about the team's upcoming games with less power.
"We want to make the playoffs," said Rizzo speaking to Federal Baseball.
He continued, "We're not afraid to say the word this year. The onus of this is on the players, and they have to perform and we're going to let them know that.
"I think you can have a good meaningful season without making the playoffs this year," added Rizzo. "But I would probably be a little disappointed that we didn't make it."
Rizzo took over as the Nationals' GM in 2009, and the team improved from 59 wins that year to 69 wins in 2010, and 80 wins last year.
The first pitchers and catcher workout for official start of baseball spring training was on Feb. 21. The teams boast players such as Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann.
Looking to the future, Rizzo noted what he considers a successful season.
"If we've played good baseball and guys have taken steps towards the next level and it's a year where somebody just has a terrific season ahead of us and we fall short of the playoffs, I can take that as a successful season," said Rizzo. "But again, we're here to win games, and we're judged on wins and losses and we want to make the playoffs."
