Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman Resigns

Jim Rigglemen resigned as manager of the Washington Nationals today. Photograph by Flickr user MissChatter

Jim Riggleman had just watched his Washington Nationals beat the Seattle Mariners to complete an 8-1 homestand, pushing the club’s record to 38-37, the latest point in any season since 2005 the team has been above .500.

Then, he resigned.

In what must be among the most shocking contractual-related power plays in Washington sports history, the Nationals’ manager decided to follow through on his word. Before Thursday’s game, he told general manager Mike Rizzo he wanted his contract situation resolved, or else. After the 1-0 win, a walk-off victory that gave the Nats their 11th win in 12 games, Rizzo refused to say if the team would pick up his option for next season. Riggleman walked.

Is this the ultimate case of standing up for what you believe in? Or is it quitting on the team? A team that, by the way, has quietly crept into wild-card contention for the first time since Brad Wilkerson roamed right field.

Either way, it’s clear owner Ted Lerner, Rizzo, and Riggleman have a lot of explaining to do in the aftermath.

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Aaron Kraut