http://tinyurl.com/neusms


Nationals dismiss Acta, name Riggleman
Veteran skipper, bench coach named on interim basis

By Bill Ladson and Pete Kertzel / MLB.com

07/13/09 2:49 PM ET

WASHINGTON -- On the heels of a first half that fell well short of expectations,
the Nationals have decided to go in a different direction with their on-field
leadership.

After months of speculation that manager Manny Acta's job was in jeopardy, the
club made his dismissal official Monday while naming Jim Riggleman as interim
skipper.

Acta learned of his dismissal on Sunday night from team president Stan Kasten
and acting general manager Mike Rizzo. Acta then went into his office, packed
his things and said goodbye to some of his players.