Davey is the cherry on top.

(AP Photo. The Nationals have officially hired Davey Johnson as senior advisor to GM Mike Rizzo.)

"Davey makes me a smarter general manager. He is a deep thinker. He has done every aspect you can do in the game. Just to be around him, it makes me all that much better."
(Mike Rizzo, via MLB dot com, 11/18/2009)

Mike Likes Davey's Aura

Rizzo ends offseason hiring spree by adding Davey Johnson to his stable of  "Wise Old Owls".

"These are guys who sit in ballparks at every level, watch games and talk to other scouts. It sounds trivial. But in baseball, there is nothing more important. They are the wise old owls."
(Stan Kasten, via Washington Post, 11/19/2009)

With all those other advisers and special assistants around, even Davey doesn't know what his senior ad-visor job really entails, but what the heck, the pay is probably pretty good! Via Washington Times:

Johnson isn't sure exactly what his role will be yet -- though it will likely take advantage of his experience doing everything from running major-league teams to working with rookie-league players. But he will be another resource among the veteran additions to Washingtons front office this fall.

Meanwhile, over at the Washington Post, Mr. Thomas Boswell is gushing over Rizzo's front office remodel job. Indeed, it appears Rizzo has established some semblance of respectability and credibility for the organization. And that's something to cheer about.

Now, about that little problem of the baseball team...

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Comments

[TSA01]

To the question of: Now, about that little problem of the baseball team? I say to that, a weak front office equals a weak product on the field. Strengthening the front office puts the pieces in place to improve product on the field. Stability goes a long way in building confidence in the players, knowing that issues will be dealt with in a truthful way. This is what we need as the front office increases the talent level on both the Minor and Major league levels. Let’s go Nats.

[The Nationals Enquirer]

Absolutely. The days of the Jim Bowden Big Top are over -- the circus has officially pulled up stakes and left town. Rizzo's FO rebuilding project this offseason appears to have laid a solid foundation and will provide much needed stability long term.

Now, about that little problem of the baseball team...

[jon]

Anyone else have an issue with the quasi-blatant rejection of statistics over scouting?

[The Nationals Enquirer]

Interesting point, jon.

In the Boz article (linked above), he calls it a "65-35 weighting to scouting over modern statistical analysis".

Would you be more comfortable with a 50-50 split? Something else? If it makes you feel better, our anonymous sources with no knowledge of the situation say the Nats are giving each of the "Wise Old Owls" a Curly W abacus in case any numbers need to be crunched...