In a move viewed as little more than a formality, the Nationals have officially exercised their 2011 option on manager Jim Riggleman rather than buying him out for $100,000.
“He is a terrific baseball manager,” general manager Mike Rizzo told Bailey Stephens of MLB.com. “He has great respect from his peers in this game. When the game starts, he is as good as anybody in the game. He has the respect in the clubhouse. He is a diligent worker and he is a loyal employee.”
Riggleman has a 102-135 record and .430 winning percentage since taking over for Manny Acta in the middle of last season. He also previously managed the Padres, Cubs, and Mariners, compiling a career record of 624-787 (.442) while finishing above .500 just twice in 11 seasons.
During the past 100 years no one in baseball history has managed more games with a lower winning percentage than Riggleman.