Washington Nationals hire Matt Williams as manager

Former major league third baseman Matt Williams is the new manager of the Washington Nationals. The Nationals will hold a news conference today to introduce Williams as the team’s fifth manager since it moved to Washington from Montreal in 2005. He replaces Davey Johnson, who is retiring. It is Williams’ first job as a major league manager. He has only brief managerial experience at any level, having spent time in the Arizona Fall League and five weeks at Double-A in the minors. He’s been the Arizona Diamondbacks’ third-base coach the past three seasons. The 47-year-old Williams was a five-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove recipient during 17 years as a player for the Giants, Indians and Diamondbacks. – Associated Press