Indians interview ex-Nationals manager Acta
Manny Acta managed a young, inexperienced team in Washington. He'd like another shot with a similar group in Cleveland.
Acta, fired by the Nationals in July, was interviewed by Indians general manager Mark Shapiro and assistant GM Chris Antonetti earlier this week for the club's managerial opening.
Acta is one of eight to 10 candidates the Indians are conducting initial interviews with this week from their training complex in Goodyear, Ariz. The Indians plan to bring the finalists for the job to Cleveland in the near future for formal interviews and to meet with the media.
The 40-year-old Acta is excited about the possibility of joining the Indians.
"I really like the amount of young talented players that they already have in place, plus what's coming from their farm system," Acta said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "There is some work to be done in certain areas, but overall they are going to be a very exciting club for years to come."
Acta said the Indians told him that they would get back to him next week.
He will interview with the Houston Astros on Friday for their manager's job. He spent 16 years in Houston's minor league system after being signed as a 17-year-old.
Acta was fired by the Nationals after they stared 21-61 in 2009. He went 158-252 in two-plus seasons with Washington.
The Indians, who are coming off their worst season since 1991, are keeping their managerial candidates confidential. Earlier this week, Boston pitching coach John Farrell, believed to be one of the top names on Cleveland's list, informed Shapiro that he was staying with the Red Sox.