Washington, DC

In one of the most strange cases of a manager leaving a post, Washington Nationals manager Jim Riggleman has stepped aside despite his team winning 10 of 11 games and boasting a 38-37 record.

Riggleman reportedly resigned over not getting a contract option for next season signed by the club.

"I wanted the option picked up," Riggleman said, according to USA Today. "But I want to make this clear -- I wanted a conversation about it. And that wasn't going to happen. It's the way the ballclub wants to do business."

Riggleman was enjoying success this season, especially of late, but his overall career mark is 662-824, for just a .445 winning percentage that sits near the bottom in baseball history among skippers with over a decade of dugout experience.

By quitting now, Riggleman posts his third winning season in a dozen campaigns.

GM Mike Rizzo defended the team's stance on MLB Network.

"Jim and I had a discussion before the game today and he told me of his displeasure over his contract situation and he told me if something wasn't done about the contract, he was going to resign after the game," Rizzo said. "We accepted his resignation. As you can see, it took us by surprise."

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