WASHINGTON -- The Washington Nationals formally announced the hiring of Matt Williams as their new manager.
Williams has been third-base coach for the Diamondbacks for the past three seasons, and news of his hiring was first reported a week ago, but the official announcement was postponed so as to not conflict with the World Series.
The Nationals will hold a news conference Friday 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, though he did manage in the Arizona Fall League. He was a finalist for the Colorado Rockies job a year ago that went to Walt Weiss and also interviewed for the Toronto Blue Jays' position.
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.
