Major League Baseball

Lots of open jobs for former managers

Published Oct. 4, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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Ken Rosenthal

The managerial merry-go-round officially is spinning, with anywhere between eight and 10 jobs in play.

Three teams — the Mets, Pirates and Brewers — parted with their managers on Monday.

Three others — the Cubs, Marlins and Mariners — ended the season with interims at the position.

Two more — the Braves and Blue Jays — are losing their managers to retirement.

The two other clubs with uncertainly are the Cardinals and Yankees. As of now, both Tony La Russa and Joe Girardi are expected to return.

The Braves, too, seem fairly set — former Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez remains the overwhelming favorite to replace Bobby Cox. But most of the other jobs are difficult to handicap.

Here is a look at some of the candidates who are drawing consideration, according to major-league sources and published reports. The list is not necessarily complete. It is merely intended to be a primer for the weeks ahead.

DRAWING SIGNIFICANT INTEREST

Eric Wedge: The former Indians manager already has interviewed with the Cubs and Blue Jays. He also figures to draw interest from the Pirates, whose G.M., Neal Huntington, previously worked for the Indians.

Bob Melvin: He, too, has interviewed with the Cubs and Blue Jays. Melvin, the former Diamondbacks and Mariners manager, also is expected to receive strong consideration from the Brewers.

Ted Simmons: The Padres’ bench coach is on the Marlins’ short list. He also is a likely candidate for the Mariners and a possible fit for the Brewers, one of his former clubs.

Tim Wallach: Bypassed by the Dodgers for Don Mattingly, he is viewed by some as a leading candidate for the Blue Jays. Also on the Marlins’ short list.

Mike Quade, Ryne Sandberg: Only one can get the Cubs’ job — and perhaps neither will. Sandberg has spoken with the Blue Jays. Quade could be a steal for the Pirates or Brewers.

OTHER FORMER MANAGERS

Bobby Valentine: Still prominent as a candidate for the Marlins and also for the Mets.

Don Wakamatsu: Has interviewed with Blue Jays; fallback position could be a place on Buck Showalter’s coaching staff with the Orioles.

Jim Fregosi: Candidate for Marlins.

Don Baylor: Interviewed with Blue Jays.

Ken Macha: Pittsburgh is his home, but after his difficulties connecting with the Brewers, he might not fit with a young Pirates team.

Clint Hurdle, John Gibbons, Willie Randolph: All were major-league coaches last season and could manage again.

PROMINENT COACHES

Joey Cora, White Sox: Thought to be a leading candidate for the Mariners.

John Farrell, Red Sox: The clause in his contract that prevented him from pursuing a managerial position was in effect only through the end of this season. Farrell is free to pursue jobs — and interested in managing.

Ron Roenicke, Angels: The Rays’ Joe Maddon and Padres’ Bud Black both came from Mike Scioscia’s staff.

Bo Porter, Diamondbacks: On the Marlins’ short list.

Dave Martinez, Rays: Attracting interest from at least one unidentified club.

Pat Listach, Nationals: A former NL Rookie of the Year with the Brewers and former minor-league manager in the Cubs’ system.

DeMarlo Hale, Tim Bogar, Red Sox: Sox officials expect both to receive interviews.

Rob Thomson, Yankees: Ontario native figures to draw consideration from Blue Jays.

Pete Mackanin, Phillies: Fared well as interim for Pirates in ’05 and Reds in ’07.

Steve Liddle, Scott Ullger, Twins: Isn’t it time someone tried to copy the Twins’ way?

Ron Wotus, Giants: Long seen as a potential manager; postseason berth will further raise profile.

Jose Oquendo, Cardinals: Possible replacement for La Russa.

Rick Renteria, Randy Ready, Padres: Both were viewed as possibilities for the Diamondbacks before the team named Kirk Gibson manager.

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