Up above, video of Matt Williams chatting with reporters in Viera on Saturday after the Nats announced they had exercised the first of two club options on his contract. "I'm honored," says Williams.
From the press release from the Nationals:
The Washington Nationals exercised the 2016 club option on manager Matt Williams’ contract on Saturday. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.
“We are happy to pick up Matt’s option for the 2016 season,” Rizzo said. “It shows the great confidence we have in Matt to continue to lead this team on the field. During his rookie season, he helped us navigate through injuries and led us to our second NL East Division title in three years. His leadership has earned him the respect of our players, coaches and his colleagues around the league.”
“Matt’s accomplishments on the field speak for themselves,” said Managing Principal Owner Theodore N. Lerner. “He takes great pride not only in how the game is played, but in our players. We are fortunate to have Matt as our manager and look forward to him leading us to new heights.”
In his rookie season in the dugout, Williams led the Nationals to the 2014 National League East division title, as well as the best record in the National League with 96 regular-season victories. Working to strengthen a culture of accountability in the clubhouse and hard-nosed play on the field, Williams guided the Nationals’ talent-laden roster back to the postseason following a one-year absence.
After stewarding the Nationals through early injuries and inconsistencies before their ascension to the largest divisional lead in Major League Baseball (17.0 games), Williams earned the 2014 BBWAA National League Manager of the Year award and the 2014 Sporting News NL Manager of the Year award. He was the first rookie manager since 2006, and only the fourth first-year manager in history to earn the BBWAA honors.
The decorated former third baseman was named the fifth manager of the Nationals on Nov. 1, 2013, replacing Davey Johnson.
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