Washington Nationals: Will Davey Johnson Return Next Season as Manager?

Davey Johnson has done a stellar job this season with the Washington Nationals, leading his club to a MLB-best 92-60 entering play on Monday.

The team has secured its first postseason berth in franchise history, and has also overcome adversity—i.e. Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg—to become the winning team that it is today.

Put all of this together, and Johnson is the leading candidate for the National League Manager of the Year award.

Johnson is under contract for next season, but not as manager. His current contract calls for him to stay with the Nationals next season as a team consultant.

As to whether or not Johnson wants to manage again next season, he had this to say to MLB.com's Bill Ladson:

"I've had conversations with [GM Mike] Rizzo about that, and he had conversations with ownership. I feel good about my situation. I feel good about where we are at. Those things will be addressed after the season. I think Rizzo and ownership are perfectly comfortable when deciding to have me back after this season is over. Again, I'm comfortable with that, too. Let's see what happens."

Rizzo would be foolish to not consider changing the parameters of Johnson's contract. He has been the best manager in the franchise's young history and has dealt with a number of media-driven issues this season alone.

His ability to handle a pitching staff and push the right buttons with his lineup resemble that of a top-notch manager.

For now, Johnson will be focusing on bringing home a World Series Championship to Washington. His managerial status will remain on the back burner until the offseason.

If he does end up winning the World Series with his club, there's nearly no doubt in anybody's mind that he will back for 2013.