Athletics GM: Rays should pursue Macha

© St. Petersburg Times
published October 4, 2002

Unless someone else hires him first, Oakland bench coach Ken Macha is likely to be a candidate for the Rays managing job.

At least according to Oakland general manager Billy Beane, who has already received calls about Macha from the Tigers and Cubs.

"Ken becoming a major-league manager, given the number of openings, is going to be a no-brainer," Beane said Thursday. "He's been a critical part of our success, and that should be an incredible asset to anyone looking for a manager.

"I might question anyone who didn't have him on their list."

Macha, 52, joined the A's staff in 1999 after four successful seasons as a manager in Boston's minor-league system. He also has been a major-league coach with the Expos and Angels.

Also, add Ned Yost to the list of those interested in managing the Rays.

Yost, 47, has been on Bobby Cox's staff in Atlanta since 1991, first as a bullpen coach, and then he took over as third-base coach four seasons ago.

"I'm definitely interested," Yost said. "Right now it's hard to focus on anything but what we're doing here on the field. But my goal has always been to become a major-league manager one day.

"I'm working hard every day to reach that goal. That's as good a place as any to start."

Drafted by the Mets in 1974, Yost played 219 career major-league games as a catcher with the Brewers, Rangers and Expos from 1980-1985.

He managed Class A Sumter of the South Atlantic League from 1988-90 and compiled a 197-223 record.