Jim Riggleman Resigns

Jim Riggleman has announced his resignation as manager of the Washington Nationals.  The coach stepped down today after the team’s 1-0 walk off win against the Seattle Mariners.

Talk about unexpected.

Just today the front page of ESPN’s MLB section has a Timmy Kurkjian article that has a subtitle reading ‘The Nationals are among the big leagues’ hottest teams, and many signs point toward a bright future’.

The Nationals finished off a sweep of the Mariners today, as the club pulled over the .500 mark for the first time since April 20^th.  Washington has now won 11 of its last 12 games, taking its last 4 series.

Does this sound like a team on the verge of a managerial change?

Details have not come out, but apparently Riggleman was unhappy about his contract status.  He had an option that hadn’t been picked up, and there are rumors that it was wearing on the manager.

Riggleman has led the Nationals since 2009, compiling a record of 139-172 with the club.  Before taking over in Washington, Riggleman managed the Mariners, Cubs and Padres.