Chicago Cubs: Four choices to serve as David Ross’ bench coach

Chicago Cubs: Well, let’s kick it old-school, shall we?

I mean, we’re talking real old school when it comes to former Chicago Cubs skipper Jim Riggleman. He managed the team from 1995-1999, finishing above .500 just one time in the process. Since then, he’s managed in Seattle, Washington and Cincinnati, but has never really found success as the top guy in the clubhouse or in the dugout.

But that hardly means that he lacks value for a first-year manager like David Ross, a guy who needs experience and someone to lean on as he figures out his place in the grand scheme of things on a daily basis.

Last offseason, the New York Mets hired Riggleman for a very similar reason. They wanted a veteran voice in manager Mickey Callaway‘s ear to combat his lack of experience in the big job. Of course, after the club faded down the stretch, New York fired Callaway – and shortly thereafter, moved on from Riggleman, as well.

I don’t think that’s as much a ruling on the work Riggleman did in the Big Apple as it is simply the outcome of moving on from Callaway. He’s got nearly a half-century of experience the game and returning to Wrigley Field might be just what he needs to go out on a high note.