The Nationals officially entered the Dave Martinez era on Thursday, as they introduced the former Cubs bench coach as their seventh manager in club history in a news conference at Nationals Park.Martinez, a 16-year big league outfielder, is a first-time manager, but he brings a wealth of experience. Most recently, he served as Joe Maddon's bench coach for the past decade, dating back to their time with the Rays. Martinez's contract is for three years with a fourth-year option -- more than the Nats have ever committed to a manager.
"I'm honored and elated to be a part of the Washington Nationals family," Martinez said. "I'm looking forward to my tenure here. I'm blessed to work with one of the finest teams in the National League."Martinez takes over for Dusty Baker, whose two-year contract wasn't renewed after the club was unable to advance beyond National League Division Series in both his years at the helm, losing in Game 5 of the NLDS each time. That left the front office to search for who they believed to be the missing piece to reach their first World Series. In their 13 years in Washington, the Nats have reached the postseason four times, all since 2012, and they haven't advanced beyond the NLDS."Moving forward, this team doesn't lack much," Martinez said. "The object isn't just to win playoff games, it's to win the World Series."In addition to Martinez, who also interviewed for the Nationals' managerial opening in 2013 that went to Matt Williams, Washington interviewed former Red Sox manager John Farrell and contacted Mets hitting coach Kevin Long.Daniel Kramer / MLB.com
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