Acta gets contract extended by Washington

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The Washington Nationals Friday gave Manager Manny Acta a one-year contract extension through the 2009 season.

The club exercised its option to extend Acta's deal beyond the 2008 season because he improved the Nationals' record by at least one game with a three-game weekend series at Philadelphia to end the regular season.

As the series begins, Washington is 72-87, compared to last season's 71-91 mark under Frank Robinson.

"I don't think I have learned as much as I’m being reassured of the plan that I had put together in my mind over the last five years," the 38-year-old Acta told the Washington Post.

"I think he's the best young manager in the game," said General Manager Jim Bowden.

"He's highly intelligent. He's well prepared (and) he's a good motivator. He’s a good leader. . . . I think he runs a good game, and I think he’s a winner."