Dodgers News: Don Mattingly Doesn’t Want To Be “Lame Duck” Manager
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly and general manager Ned Colletti finally met the press this afternoon at Dodger Stadium to discuss the end of the season and what the plan is for 2014.
The most talked about issue is Mattingly’s contract as the Dodgers hold a one-year option for next season and it’s been reported that the Dodgers are likely to pick that up. However, today was the first time Mattingly has talked since the initial report and according to Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com:
Mattingly said his option vested, but he doesn’t know if he will return after being a lame duck this year.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) October 21, 2013
When the Dodgers were falling well short of expectations back in May, there were reports that Mattingly was on the verge of getting fired and even when he led the 42-8 charge through the heart of the summer, he was still getting questioned.
Things didn’t get better for Mattingly as his postseasons decisions were also questioned and it felt like every move he made was under the microscope. In the same press conference, Mattingly talked about his thoughts for next season:
I love it here. I like being here, but I don’t want to be anywhere you’re not wanted
Mattingly said that his option vested when the Dodgers beat the Braves in the NLDS, but it’s clear that he won’t manage again with just a one-year deal. With managerial openings in Detroit, Washington and Cincinnati, it’s clear that Mattingly is using that as leverage in hopes of locking up a multi-year extension.
For three years the Dodgers have had the chance to see what type of manager Mattingly is and it looks like he’s standing up to ownership to either give him multiple years or he’ll walk.
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In case you missed it, here’s the Dodgers pool celebration, PLUS Yasiel Puig’s celebration dance off!
http://youtu.be/LknQOqL7uME
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