The Washington Nationals have won 13 of their last 14, and have climbed out of the NL East basement into third, they are above .500 this late in the season for the first time since 2005 (their inaugural season) and are only 3.5 games out of the NL Wild Card. So why is it that Jim Riggleman resigned? Well, if reports are true, it's because of a contract dispute, one Riggleman didn't appreciate given all he's done for the team.
While I can agree that he's done really well for the team so far, quitting while riding a hot streak only hurts himself. If he toughed it out for the rest of the season and got fired, maybe after leading the club close to a .500 record or better, he would've easily landed a job somewhere else. However, quitting in the middle of the season makes him look weak and petty, even though the Nationals probably owed it to themselves to pick up his option. In addition, it will most likely hurt the Nationals in both the short and long term because of the lack of consistency at the managerial position. So in that regard he's really hurt everyone involved in the situation, and it won't help his career either.
While the Nationals look to old-time manager Davey Johnson to carry them through this season, one will always wonder what could have been with Riggleman? With Strasburg coming back next season as well as Bryce Harper likely being called up, it looks as if the Nationals might be on the cusp of a Playoff Run. Only time will tell, but it definitely won't be any thanks to Riggleman if and when it does.
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