By Chico Harlan and Mark Viera Washington Post Staff Writers Friday, June 26, 2009 During an afternoon speaking engagement yesterday at the National Press Club, Washington Nationals President Stan Kasten gave his firmest support yet of Manny Acta, expressing hope that he can "serve as long-term manager here." Acta's job security has swung wildly in the last week, growing tenuous amid news media reports of an impending firing, then strengthening during last week's four-game winning streak. Only yesterday, though, did Kasten elaborate on feelings about the third-year skipper. "In Manny's case, I happen to be a big fan of his," Kasten said. "I think he has the demeanor to be a long-term solution as a manager. He has the demeanor of a Bobby Cox and others who have been successful. I had this great talk around the batting cage last night with Terry Francona, the young, possibly genius manager of the Boston Red Sox. And I said, 'Terry, I remember when you were a dummy as manager of the Phillies.' And he says, 'Stan, I promise you, I'm still a dummy, I just have better players.' It's so true. "And I have always, from the beginning, supported Manny. I can't predict whether it will work here, but I think he will. I think he's going to serve as a long-term manager here. That's my hope." Through a team spokesman, Acta declined to comment on Kasten's statement before last night's game against the Boston Red Sox. --

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