Rays to work job hunt from the inside out
By MARC TOPKIN
Published October 8, 2005
ST. PETERSBURG - The Devil Rays will start their managerial search close to home, interviewing three of their own coaches - Tom Foley, Billy Hatcher and John McLaren - and Triple-A manager Bill Evers on Tuesday.
The Rays are also in the process of requesting permission to interview Yankees bench coach Joe Girardi, who appears to among their top choices. Girardi also is being pursued by the Marlins and met Thursday with their owner, Jeffrey Loria, and is expected to have a formal interview next week.
Foley, the third-base coach, and Hatcher, the first-base coach, interviewed when the Rays job was last open, and were retained when Lou Piniella was hired. McLaren, a longtime Piniella associate, came with him from Seattle to Tampa Bay. Evers has managed in the minor-league system since 1996.
"We're all just looking for an opportunity," McLaren said. "I've been studying under a pretty good manager for a long time just waiting for my chance. I'd love to have the opportunity to manage this ballclub."
Foley, who also interviewed for the Orioles job, was equally enthusiastic. "I want to manage, I've been with Tampa Bay since the start and I'd like to get a shot at doing this," he said. "I'm real excited."
Though the Rays are in the process of restructuring and staffing their front office under new principal owner Stuart Sternberg, the decision to move ahead with the interviews appears to be a further indication that Andrew Friedman, a Sternberg associate, will end up with significant responsibilities, if not the actual title of general manager.
Overall, the Rays are expected to interview at least eight to 10 candidates, with Friedman and team president Matt Silverman involved in the hiring process.
Other external candidates could include Mets third-base coach Manny Acta, Braves third-base coach Fredi Gonzalez, A's third-base coach Ron Washington and former Mets and Rangers manager Bobby Valentine.
Foley and Hatcher are also candidates for the Marlins job.
Sternberg said the Rays may hire some experienced advisers to join their front office, leading to considerable speculation in baseball circles. Among the many names being rumored, including Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette, and John Hart, former Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker seems the most realistic candidate.
Also, infielder/catcher Eric Munson, who spent most of the season at Triple-A, was dropped from the roster.