Rosenthal: Gabe Kapler the frontrunner to become Dodgers' next manager
Only a day after the Los Angeles Dodgers mutually parted ways with manager Don Mattingly, a frontrunner has emerged to take over as the team's next skipper.
According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, former major-league outfielder Gabe Kapler is the consensus leader to fill the Dodgers' managerial post, per those in the industry.
Numerous people in industry have told me in past 24 hours that they will be surprised if anyone but Gabe Kapler is #Dodgers’ next manager.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 23, 2015
The 40-year-old Kapler, who retired from baseball in 2011 after being released by the Dodgers after spring training, served as LA's director of player development for this season, and is said to hold a close relationship with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who was hired by the Dodgers after the 2014 season.
That said, #Dodgers expected to conduct a thorough process. Close relationship between Friedman and Kapler ultimately could be paramount.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 23, 2015
While Kapler has no previous major-league managerial experience, he has managed in the minors with the Boston Red Sox and coached the Israeli national team for the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
The Dodgers' front office has said it is seeking a candidate who is open-minded and can effectively lead the clubhouse.
