So, we're on to Riggleman...

[UMDNats]

definitely. I appreciate what Riggleman has done but we need a fresh hire.

kind of sucks that we will probably lose all of the secondary coaches who I kind of like (i.e. Rick Eckstein, Listach). I don't think the players will be happy with that.

It'd be nice to have consistency from season to season so let's hope if they make sweeping changes that they are for good.

What makes you think we'll lose Eckstein? By all accounts the players love him and the results speak for themselves. Why would Rizzo get rid of him?

[sportsfan882]

What makes you think we'll lose Eckstein? By all accounts the players love him and the results speak for themselves. Why would Rizzo get rid of him?

if you hire a new manager don't you have to let him pick his own staff?

[DPMOmaha]

I think Eckstein's got a chance to stay. So could McCatty, but I could see everyone else shuffled at year's end.  It'll be interesting to see what direction they go. 

[UMDNats]

if you hire a new manager don't you have to let him pick his own staff?

I mean in a sense yeah, but any incoming manager would be smart to talk to the players to see how they like each position coach and such. I'd have to think that with the way the players like him and the way he approaches his job, an incoming manager would be a fool to fire him and bring in his own guy.

When a hitting coach gets Adam Dunn to hit .280 (and maintain his power), he's a keeper.

[sportsfan882]

I'm having second thoughts about McCatty. he's alright. interested to see who is available in the off-season. it's not like our pitchers are doing all that great. maybe they could use someone new.

I like Listach a lot as the 3rd base coach. he has done a great job.

[UMDNats]

I'm having second thoughts about McCatty. he's alright. interested to see who is available in the off-season. it's not like our pitchers are doing all that great. maybe they could use someone new.

I like Listach a lot as the 3rd base coach. he has done a great job.

other than screwing Willingham out of a cylce, yea, he's done a solid job.

[spidernat]

I'm having second thoughts about McCatty. he's alright. interested to see who is available in the off-season. it's not like our pitchers are doing all that great. maybe they could use someone new.

I like Listach a lot as the 3rd base coach. he has done a great job.

Yeah we can have another offseason where coaching hires are the biggest acquisitions. 

[Nat of the Living Dead]

Rick Eckstein is always a Twitter Top 10 Topic.... oops, wrong thread.

[CALSGR8]

My feelings are mixed.  On the one hand, Riggleman has done well and deserves a chance to continue.  Also, the players have gotten used to the way he manages.  I mean wouldn't it be detrimental to have 3 different coaching styles in a year's time?

In football, I think its been detrimental to the 'Skins' to have too much change in too little time.  Wouldn't the same be for baseball?

On the one hand, there's "don't rock the boat".  On the other, Valentine's contract is up in Japan and wants to manage in the big leagues again.   

[OldNatsFan]

I hope Riggleman can stay but 3 losses in a row isn't going to help. The team must start winning again.

[Obed_Marsh]

Yeah we can have another offseason where coaching hires are the biggest acquisitions.  

If that is the case I can tell you of one season ticket package which will not be renewed. If this team won't commit to winning, I won't commit to them.

[BerkeleyNat]

Bobby V. will be our manager next season...mark it down. I don't have a problem with Riggleman, but I just don't think he is the man to get the job done here in Washington.

[LetsGoNats]

Tonight, Riggles came out and argued 3 times in 3 innings.  I think that beat Manny's total in 2 1/2 years!

[PANatsFan]

Riggleman's ejection turned the whole game around.  Can't believe the umpires+bum relievers let him down. His fire is appreciated.

[mitlen]

Riggleman's ejection turned the whole game around.  Can't believe the umpires+bum relievers let him down. His fire is appreciated.

I've noticed over the last several years that the crew with Diaz always hoses us.    Is he that bad or does he have something going with the Nats ?

[CALSGR8]

I was at the game.  Right after he got thrown out I yelled at Belliard.  Come on Belly, give'em what for!  Boom!  Grand Slam Home Run!  My friend sitting next to me said "you really called That one!"   

Wish I could have that effect more often.  Wish I could do that by placing my hands on the TV set and having the same effect!   

[PANatsFan]

I was at the game.  Right after he got thrown out I yelled at Belliard.  Come on Belly, give'em what for!  Boom!  Grand Slam Home Run!  My friend sitting next to me said "you really called That one!"   

Wish I could have that effect more often.  Wish I could do that by placing my hands on the TV set and having the same effect!   

Boy was he fired up. The Dunn walk was huge, and Riggleman really stokes the flames.

[GburgNatsFan]

Based on? Seriously, why don't you think so?

Bobby V. will be our manager next season...mark it down. I don't have a problem with Riggleman, but I just don't think he is the man to get the job done here in Washington.

[DPMOmaha]

I thought there was a Valentine thread somewhere but I can't find it...

Found this on MLBTR, I think it was from Gammons:

Bobby Valentine's name was mentioned by Nationals' ownership during every interview they hosted while searching for a permanent GM, so he might be in the mix for their managerial job.