The Washington Nationals will formally introduce their new manager, Dave Martinez, in a press conference on Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. Fans can tune in live to MASN or 106.7 to watch or hear the press conference as it happens.

But before that, we wanted to give you a brief introduction to the new skipper, who comes to Washington for his 30th season in professional baseball. A 16-year Major League outfielder, Martinez has been a Major League coach for the last 10 seasons, serving as Cubs manager Joe Maddon’s bench coach and right-hand man in Chicago (2015–17) as well as Tampa Bay (2008–14). He’s excited to make Washington his first managerial stop.

Welcome to Washington! Our first question is one of great importance: Do you prefer Dave or Davey?

(Laughter) I always say it’s to each person’s preference. I don’t care, either way. Everybody calls me Davey, so when they call it, I respond.

Our fans and media are all looking forward to formally meeting you on Thursday. What are you most looking forward to about getting started as the Nationals’ manager?

I’m most looking forward to getting to know the players. Building a relationship with the players, and of course our fanbase.

In your visits to D.C. over the years have you pinpointed a favorite spot or landmark in town?

I have a restaurant I really like — it’s called the Fish Market. They grill their own oysters and I love them.

What is your familiarity with the Nationals’ roster as far as personal experience goes? Will you be starting from scratch in getting to know everyone or do you have previous connections?

I met some of them at the All-Star Game and have met others just by being on the field, saying hello a couple of times. I don’t know anyone real personally. That’s why I’m really anxious and excited to start conversations with them and build the relationship with them.

To that end, how do you plan to go about tackling the challenge of establishing relationships with a new team/new roster of players this offseason/heading into Spring Training?

I will start as soon as the whirlwind stops a little bit. I will start making phone calls and flying to them, or if anyone is coming my way, try to meet for lunch or something. I will definitely start conversations as early as next week and get the ball rolling.

You’ve seen the Nationals from the other side for so long, what stands out to you about this team and this roster that excites you as you start your job as our manager?

We’re really good. I’ve contemplated every day lately what the lineup may be and I just can’t wait. I’m [champing] at the bit to get to spring training and get the ball rolling. We’re good. The pitching staff is unbelievable. We’re solid all the way around. It’s going to be interesting.

Do you have a guiding philosophy that may explain what fans can expect as your “managerial style”?

I truly believe that they can expect a lot of energy. Guys will go out there and have fun. It is a game they’ve played since they were young kids, so I just want them to relax, be themselves, go have some fun and play with a lot of energy. My biggest thing is to come ready to compete at the highest level every day.

Many fans may not know, but this is not your first experience with the franchise. What do you remember most about your four seasons playing for the Montreal Expos?

I loved the city. When I was there we had a pretty good fanbase. We drew 30–35–40,000 per game. It was really exciting. We played at Olympic Stadium and we loved it. The players I played with, we loved playing there.

How do you feel about the challenge ahead of you and the hunger this team and city has for a World Series championship?

The one thing that I’ve learned throughout my playing days and coaching experiences is to stick to the process. That’s basically it. I like to stay in the moment and be in the here-and-now. We’ll take one day at a time, one game at a time, and if we do that I think at the end of the year people will be pretty pleased with where we’re at.