The Nationals will be holding a news conference at 2:30 p.m. to officially name their new field manager, but there won’t be any surprises: Jim Riggleman will be returning to manage the team on a permanent basis in 2010. Both ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian and the Associated Press reported last night that Nationals sources confirmed that Riggleman would have his interim tag removed today. Riggleman led the Nats to a somewhat respectable 33-42 record after taking over from previous manager (and new Cleveland skipper) Manny Acta in July. He previously managed in San Diego, Chicago, and Seattle before coming to D.C., compiling a 555-694 record over ten years of service on the bench.
While the hiring of Riggleman is a somewhat underwhelming decision for those hoping the Nats would make a splash, it’s understandable. Riggleman has proved that he can at least get something out of the Nationals, and upon inspection, the other major candidates for the job were either just as qualified as Riggleman or names that are continually thrown out there for every single managerial position that opens up (we’re looking at you, Bobby Valentine). In fact, it could be argued that Riggleman is actually a smart choice for this team: a hard-nosed manager who has experience with the current roster sounds exactly like the kind of guy you want in charge of a fairly young team that lacks defensive and fundamental discipline.
Nats fans, what’s your take? Are you pleased with Riggleman, or were you hoping for a sexier hire?
