Baker irked by Nats' decision: 'I'm surprised and disappointed'

Dusty Baker isn't a happy camper.

The Washington Nationals decided not to extend the erstwhile manager on Friday despite the team's 192-132 record over his two-year tenure.

Baker was blindsided and upset with how the team handled things at the end, according to USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale and Gabe Lacques.

"I'm surprised and disappointed," Baker said. "They told me they would get back to me and I told them I was leaving town yesterday and they waited 10 days to tell me.

"I really thought this was my best year. We won at least 95 games each year and won the division back to back years but they said they wanted to go a different direction. It's hard to understand."

Related: Nationals prove themselves dysfunctional by firing Baker

While the Nationals won consecutive NL East titles under Baker, the team was bounced from the postseason in the opening round both times. The franchise has still never won a playoff series.

The team pushed the Chicago Cubs to the brink in the National League Division Series before losing 9-8 in the deciding Game 5.

If it were up to some of his players, Baker would be brought back.

"I would love to have him back. We won 95 games last year, 97 this year, but that is not my job," shortstop Trea Turner said.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told reporters that it was "a pure baseball decision." Baker's replacement will be the team's fourth manager since 2013.