Jim Riggleman wants to set the record straight: His title with the Mets is bench coach, not manager-in-waiting.
The distinction is important to Riggleman, 66, who was hired this week as manager Mickey Callaway’s top lieutenant. Callaway could be on a short leash to begin the 2019 season, and Riggleman has managed five major league teams, including the Mariners and Reds after their managers were fired in-season.
“I certainly understand that, but I don’t let myself go there,” Riggleman said Tuesday, when asked about the perception he is the manager-in-waiting. “I fully anticipate that the ballclub is going to pick up where it left off in the second half last year.