Dec 11, 2006 1:13 AM EST

Nationals manager Manny Acta placed a call to Ryan Church on Friday, with Acta giving Church nothing but positive reinforcement.

Church, according to Acta, was happy to hear from his new boss and feels he can have a fresh start in 2007.

"I've always gotten along with Church when I was in Montreal," Acta said. "It's going to be up to him. This is a make or break year for him to show the world what he can do or go in the other direction by becoming a fourth [outfielder]."

Via MLB.com