Nationals Notes: Manager, Desmond, Maxwell

Byron Kerr of MASN.com spoke to Washington Nationals interim manager Jim Riggleman, who is the favorite to manage the team in 2010, according to Jon Heyman. A few highlights of the conversation.... Riggleman indicates that the Nationals' managerial hunt is working around the playoff schedule, and that it will probably be after the World Series before a manager is named. He suggests the Nationals could use another veteran starter. He says that although they don't necessarily need to sign a big-name closer, Washington would benefit from some bullpen help. Cristian Guzman's offseason progress is important. If he's not able to throw, the Nationals could look to add infielders, and it could mean more playing time for Ian Desmond. Riggleman feels Justin Maxwell's spot on the 25-man roster is his to lose, and that Maxwell could start against lefties.