Minor Notes

As we Cardinal fans keep playing the waiting game, likely without any news for another two weeks, other teams are proceeding with their agendas. It was announced today, that Jim Riggleman, the Cardinals minor league field coordinator, has accepted a bench coaching position with the Seattle Mariners. Riggleman had been considered an option for St. Louis, if La Russa was not returning.

“I would hope Mr. DeWitt and the new general manager would consider me a candidate if and when Tony leaves, but I can’t wait around for one position that I may or may not have a chance to get,” Riggleman said.

Joe Strauss has the full story here.

Elsewhere, unless you’ve been hiding in a cave, you’ve heard that Joe Torre has rejected the Yankees offer to return as manager. I applaud Torre for walking away. He has put up with George Stienbrenner’s unorthodox ways for a long time, while continuing to keep the Yankees playing baseball in October for twelve consecutive years. I’m not sure they’ll be as successful right away under the direction of a new skipper. Already, closer Mariano Rivera, and catcher Jorge Posada, have expressed their desire to leave town if Torre doesn’t return, and others may follow.

I’ve got one other thought. I’ll be watching game 6 of the ALCS very closely, hoping that Manny Ramirez gets beaned in every at-bat.