Nationals name Mike Rizzo General Manager

Well deserved.

After reconfiguring the Nats' atrocious bullpen and bringing in a true leadoff hitter in Nyjer Morgan, not to mention signing the best amateur pitcher in recent memory in Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals have removed the interim tag from Mike Rizzo, making him the full-time general manager.

"The things he's done since he's been on board have been really good, and they've made us a better team," Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said after the 5-4 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night. "It's not our place to decide what people in the front office are here or there, but to have him around, I think, would be good." 

Rizzo has a tremendous eye for talent. He worked in scouting with the Diamondbacks for seven seasons prior to joining the Nationals. Credit Rizzo for some of the young talent the Diamondbacks have on the field today.

"He's shown both aggressiveness and patience with the makeup of our roster," Riggleman said before Wednesday's game, "and I think the result is we're playing better baseball because he's solidified our roster."

Rizzo's next task will be to find a new manager. While the Nationals are 17-16 since Jim Riggleman was named manager, they would be smart to check all options as they are rebuild.