Nats’ Notes: Matt Williams, Dusty Baker and more

The Washington Nationals are heading into the offseason after a disappointing 2013 campaign that began with World Series aspirations. The top thing on their to-do list? Find a replacement for Davey Johnson, who retired after the season ended.

According to Adam Kilgore of the Washington post, the team was also in the bidding for Cuban slugger Jose Dariel Abreu, who signed a six-year, $68 million deal with the Chicago White Sox yesterday, but the dollar amount got “crazy” in their view.

In terms of the managerial search, former Reds skipper, Dusty Baker, who was dismissed by Cincinnati after an early exit from the playoffs, is not a candidate for the Nats’ opening.

Baker contacted Washington general manager Mike Rizzo about the position saying he was interested, but there does not appear to be interest on the Nationals’ side of things.

Furthermore, a source with knowledge of the search told Buster Olney that he would “be shocked” if Arizona Diamondbacks third base coach Matt Williams was not hired for the job.