Jim Riggleman Is Here To Supplement What Matthew Wrote Below

by Jeff Sullivan on Aug 26, 2008 4:34 PM PDT in Seattle Mariners Game Recaps

Yes, the Mariners needed a little help with their first two runs. And yes, it was just their 49th win of the season. Bottom line? They’re all precious to a team trying hard not to lose 100 games.

Take Beltre.

His manager, Jim Riggleman, keeps talking about how many hard outs he’s made all season, and this wasn’t a bad example. Beltre lined out in the first and sixth innings, then doubled to set up Seattle’s run in the ninth.

Then he hit his 21st home run of the season through the Twins bullpen beyond left field in the 11th inning.

“It was a good feeling to see Beltre hit that ball,” Riggleman said. “He’s hit in bad luck all year, and hit two line drives tonight that were caught.

This is the most intelligent thing a Mariner manager has said in years. Jim Riggleman may not have the execution exactly right, but the man knows what to say.

0 recs | 13 comments

Comments

He even made a point of noting that the homerun was hit so hard that it wasn't carrying as far as you'd expect

because it had some top spin, something I noticed as well.

If it weren’t for the Vidro thing I would be more ambivalent toward Riggs. But, wow was that ever inexcusable.

Matthew - August 26, 2008 reply

He wouldn't be my first choice for next season

but I wouldn’t be too upset if he was given the job.

BrianL - August 26, 2008 reply

Can we chalk the Vidro thing

up to his bosses?

JI - August 26, 2008 reply

I see no reason to assume that given that his bosses later cut Vidro.

Plus Betancourt in the 2-hole? Raul never at DH? Reed relegated to platoon? Cairo over LaHair?

I haven’t seen Riggs do anything that made me notice him in a positive light. His interviews are ok, but his in-game tactics are ordinary and his lineups atrocious at times.

Matthew - August 26, 2008 reply