Riggleman’s Resignation Could Not Have Come at a Worse Time

The Washington Nationals have been rolling in the month of June.  This team has won 12 out of their last 13 games including a walk-off win earlier today that put them over .500 at 38-37.  This team has been clicking on all cylinders with the bats, the gloves, and the arms.  In the past series against the Mariners, the Nationals won all three games by one run.  Two of those three wins were won in walk-off fashion.

After today’s walk-off win against the Mariners, manager Jim Riggelman resigned from his position.  Yes, you heard correctly, Riggelman is no longer the manager of the surging Nationals.  Apparently, Riggelman had asked for a contract extension and was denied by the front office.  I understand that Riggelman is looking out for his best interest and probably felt disrespected by the front office, but now is not the time to be prideful.  Had the Nationals not been in the thick of things at this point, I would not blame him for making this decision.  However, because of the team’s recent success, it makes a big difference. 

Marlins’ former manager Edwin Rodriguez resigned during the club’s June swoon. Normally, when a manager leaves when things are not going well, it is perceived as an act of betrayal.  Contrary to popular belief, Rodriguez’s resignation was merited because the team needed a different voice to get the clubhouse back on track.  In my opinion, Riggelman’s resignation comes off as selfish and as an act of betrayal.  The Nationals will now have to recover from this shocking news and somehow stay on cloud nine where they have been during this month.  If I had to guess, I don’t think the Nationals will continue the success that they were having under Riggelman during the last few weeks.