Jim Riggleman’s success should not impact the Cincinnati Reds search

The Cincinnati Reds have had success under interim manager Jim Riggleman. But, that success should not impact the Reds search for a new manager.

The Cincinnati Reds have had a successful turnaround under interim manager Jim Riggleman. But, that success, unless it leads to a miraculous postseason berth, should not impact the Reds search for a new manager.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve been as guilty as anyone over the last couple weeks in celebrating the Reds’ recent success. Taking nothing away from the Reds’ 10 wins in their last 13 games, their record remains 32-46. That’s third-worst in the National League and seventh in Major League Baseball.

Again, I want to take nothing away from the job that Jim Riggleman and his staff has done. Since taking over for Bryan Price, Riggleman has guided the Reds to a respectable 29-31 record. But is that what Reds fans are looking for, respectable? I don’t think so.

More from Blog Red Machine

• Reds vs. White Sox: Pitching preview, prediction, and more
• Reds: Reiver Sanmartin adds another twist to offseason roster construction
• Reds: Signing Tyler Mahle to a contract extension should be a top priority
• Reds: Reiver Sanmartin should get first major league start vs Pirates
• Reds should unquestionably bring Wade Miley back in 2022

The Cincinnati Reds have a unique opportunity to do something they haven’t done since hiring Dusty Baker in 2007 – make an outside hire. In fact, you could make the argument that aside from Baker, the Reds haven’t enjoyed consistent success since Davey Johnson was the manager in 1994 and 1995.

Most Reds fans have become accustomed to Cincinnati’s proclivity of keeping things in house; sound familiar Bengals fans? Before hiring Baker, the Reds had gone 18 years with internal promotions. Lou Pinella, who led the Reds to the 1990 World Series Championship, was the last manager not affiliated with the organization before Baker.

Riggleman’s record as a manager is 691-855. That’s below .500 folks. It’s .447 to be exact. Do the Reds want a manager with a sub-.500 track record to take permanent hold of the reigns leading this team forward?

Joe Girardi should top the Reds’ list

I know that I’m not the first to say it, but I’ll continue to beat the drum until the Reds’ front office make an official announcement on a new manager. Joe Girardi should be at the top of the Reds’ list.

Girardi’s record of 988-794 (.554) speaks for itself. Combine that with the fact that Girardi helped guide the New York Yankees to 6 postseason appearances in 10 seasons and the 2009 World Series Championship. Why are we even thinking that Riggleman should be given the permanent manager’s gig when I guy like Girardi is sitting out there on the open market?

Next: The Reds have one of the best bullpens in the NL

The Reds have an opportunity to do something special this offseason with the hiring of a new manager. Let’s hope they don’t bungle it.