Dodgers News: Don Mattingly Intends To Honor Option For 2014
After one of the more awkward press conferences in recent memory on Monday, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly has decided that he will honor his option for the 2014 season if a long-term extension isn’t reached.
Mattingly stated in the press conference that he wouldn’t return unless he was given a multi-year deal, but it looks like he’ll at least come back in 2014 if he isn’t given what he ultimately wants, job security. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLA.com, Mattingly intends to honor the option and is waiting for word on a contract extension:
Donnie feels like he was able to say his piece, he did it for the betterment of the organization and now it’s out there. Hopefully we can make this a positive and move forward. Right now he’s at home, he’s waiting to hear from Stan [Kasten, Dodgers president] and to talk about the future.
After bench coach Trey Hillman was relieved of his duties yesterday morning, it looked like Mattingly’s fate had been sealed since he hand-picked him when he was hired in 2011.
However, pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, along with first and third base coaches Davey Lopes and Tim Wallach had their options picked up, signaling maybe Mattingly would be coming back.
Mattingly flew back to Indiana last night and it’s clear that he wants a resolution quickly, but the Dodgers won’t comment on the situation until after the World Series.
Shelburne also mentions that both sides are confident in a long-term deal being reached:
Dodgers president Stan Kasten met with chairman Mark Walter yesterday. Nothing will be announced before World Series, but…
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 23, 2013
… Both sides are optimistic Mattingly will return next season and beyond that as well.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 23, 2013
Late tonight, Dodgers president Stan Kasten confirmed the report that Mattingly will return next season, but stopped short of saying how long he’ll be back according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times:
I’ve always been a big supporter of his, Kasten said. Schulte said Mattingly is still looking for a multiyear deal. While Kasten declined to address that prospect directly, he said, I’m anticipating a happy ending.
Schulte said he expects the Dodgers and Mattingly to talk in the next couple of days, but again, the team won’t make any comments about the situation until after the World Series.
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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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