By Chico Harlan and Mark Viera
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, June 26, 2009
During an afternoon speaking engagement yesterday at the National Press Club,
Washington Nationals President Stan Kasten gave his firmest support yet of
Manny Acta, expressing hope that he can "serve as long-term manager here."
Acta's job security has swung wildly in the last week, growing tenuous amid
news media reports of an impending firing, then strengthening during last
week's four-game winning streak. Only yesterday, though, did Kasten elaborate
on feelings about the third-year skipper.
"In Manny's case, I happen to be a big fan of his," Kasten said. "I think he
has the demeanor to be a long-term solution as a manager. He has the demeanor
of a Bobby Cox and others who have been successful. I had this great talk
around the batting cage last night with Terry Francona, the young, possibly
genius manager of the Boston Red Sox. And I said, 'Terry, I remember when you
were a dummy as manager of the Phillies.' And he says, 'Stan, I promise you,
I'm still a dummy, I just have better players.' It's so true.
"And I have always, from the beginning, supported Manny. I can't predict
whether it will work here, but I think he will. I think he's going to serve
as a long-term manager here. That's my hope."
Through a team spokesman, Acta declined to comment on Kasten's statement
before last night's game against the Boston Red Sox.
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