The Tampa Bay Rays' managerial search is down to Kevin Cash and Don Wakamatsu.
Raul Ibanez withdrew because of family considerations on Thursday, the same day he was scheduled to interview with the Rays. Wakamatsu met with the Rays on Tuesday and Cash interviewed on Wednesday.
"I am very appreciative of the opportunity to be considered for the Rays manager, but I have decided to withdraw my name as a candidate," Ibanez said in a statement. "At the heart of my decision is my desire to spend more time with my family. We delayed announcing my decision because I did not want it to be a disruption in the Rays selection process. I have the utmost respect for the organization and am confident they will hire the best-suited person for the position."
Ibanez was the most outside-the-box consideration of the three.
Wakamatsu served as the Kansas City Royals' bench coach in the most recent season. It was his 17th season either coaching or managing professionally, and he served as the Seattle Mariners' manager for 274 games from 2009 to 2010.
Cash was the Cleveland Indians' bullpen coach for the past two seasons. A Tampa native, he spent eight seasons in the majors as a catcher.
Ibanez, meanwhile, had no coaching experience and spent the past season as a player for the Kansas City Royals, his 19th campaign in the majors as a first baseman, outfielder and designated hitter.
The Rays are expected to hire a manager sometime before the Winter Meetings begin Sunday in San Diego.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
