Add Jim Riggleman to list of potential Orioles third base coaches

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Former Nationals manager Jim Riggleman is being considered for the Orioles' third base coaching job. The list compiled by manager Buck Showalter appears to contain as many as six names, including Rich Dauer and Don Wakamatsu. It's fluid, as Showalter likes to say. Steve Smith took himself out of the running by informing Showalter that he wanted to be freed up to watch his son play college baseball in San Diego. Riggleman just completed his first season as manager at Double-A Pensacola, a Cincinnati Reds' affiliate. Riggleman was a candidate to become the Houston Astros' bench coach under former Nationals third base coach Bo Porter, but he preferred to remain in his current role. However, he's got local ties, having lived in Rockville and attending Richard Montgomery High School and Frostburg State College (now university). "I had a few opportunities in the majors and decided that where I'm at now was too good of an opportunity," said Riggleman, who resigned as Nationals manager during the 2011 season. "I enjoy where I'm at and what I'm doing, but Maryland is home for me. It's an interesting dilemma. It's a no-lose situation for me. I enjoy Pensacola very much, but a chance to go back to Maryland is appealing to me." Riggleman said he heard about the Orioles' interest in him yesterday, but they haven't contacted him. Right now, he's simply one of the names under consideration. The Orioles were hoping to announce a new hire during the Winter Meetings or by the end of the week, but the process could take longer. "I'm flattered that I'm being considered," Riggleman said. On another topic, I've been asked how Nate McLouth's return to the Orioles impacts Nolan Reimold. Showalter stated that he preferred to have McLouth and Reimold on the team. They can share left field - McLouth is a career .223 hitter against left-handers - or Reimold can get some at-bats as the designated hitter. McLouth's return could have a greater impact on outfielder Trayvon Robinson, acquired from the Mariners for infielder Robert Andino. Robinson is out of minor league options. It's too early to predict the composition of the roster. More trades could be made. Free agents could be signed.