Nationals' Baker wants extension: 'I've earned more than I'm being paid'

Dusty Baker's contract with the Washington Nationals will expire at the end of the current season, though the 67-year-old has yet to be offered an extension.

But Baker - who's led the Nationals to a 38-21 record and an 11 1/2-game lead in the National League East - has told the front office about his desire to continue as the team's bench boss after this season.

"I mentioned it to one of the primary people (in Nationals management). And I mentioned it to (general manager Mike Rizzo) one time," Baker told Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post. "That's enough. They know."

As Janes notes, the Nationals franchise hasn't exactly built a strong rapport with its previous managers. In 2011, Jim Riggleman infamously resigned as the team's skipper midseason when the front office refused to pick up his option for the following year despite the club's success.

But Baker, who's heard the gripes from fellow former coaches, doesn't intend to walk away from his current deal - worth a reported $4 million over two years. Though, he did hint at being given a raise should a future deal be worked out with the team.

"I remember talking to Frank Robinson when he was here. I remember his complaints to me. I remember Riggleman, which I would never do. I remember talking to Davey (Johnson)," Baker said.

"But I think I've earned more than I'm being paid."

Though the Lerner family - the managing principal owners of the Nationals - didn't drop any hints regarding Baker's future with the team, they did acknowledge they're lucky to have the three-time NL Manager of the Year.

"We do not discuss management contracts," the family said in a statement, according to Janes. "That said - Dusty Baker is a real asset to our ball club. His work ethic and experience have earned him the respect of the clubhouse. We are fortunate to have him in our dugout."