Cubs Likely to Stand by Riggleman

Chicago Cub Manager Jim Riggleman should have no reason to feel secure about his job--not with the Cubs 24 games under .500 and in last place in the weak NL Central--but he probably will get another chance to lead the Cubs out of the baseball wilderness next year.

“He has kept things together and some players have improved under his tutelage,” Cub President Andy MacPhail said. “While we are not satisfied with the season, we are not dissatisfied with his performance.”

Riggleman, whose team weathered a 14-game losing streak at the start of the season, is grateful the organization is not placing all of the blame for the frustrating 1997 season at his doorstep.

“I definitely feel that the organization has gone the extra mile with me,” he said. “I feel they’ve backed me. Sometimes, regardless of how good or bad a job you do, the record will determine whether you stay or not. I imagine through history there’s been some bad managing going on on winning clubs, and good managing on clubs that don’t win usually results in a manager being fired. I’ve been able to stay here through the rough times and I appreciate that, but I think we will get it done.”

“I really do believe that in the Andy MacPhail/Ed Lynch era here, a championship is going to be won. I want to be here when it happens.”