MLB manager roundup: Don Mattingly, Walt Weiss, Cubs search
Four MLB teams remain without a manager, but the Dodgers and Rockies will not join them as both teams plan to bring back their skipper in 2014.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Walt Weiss was given $2 million over three years from the Colorado Rockies to stay on as manager, reports the Denver Post.
Weiss’s contract was going to expire after he worked on a one-year deal to manage the Rockies to a 74-88 record in 2013, good for a last place finish in the NL West.
A three year contract will allow Colorado to bring some stability to the position as the team hopes to continue improving in the future. Their 74 wins in 2013 was a ten game improvement from 2012, and with Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez they have a solid foundation for a lineup.
The Rockies also announced their entire coaching staff would return, as well.
Cubs narrowing down candidates
The Chicago Cubs appear to have narrowed down their list of candidates to four as they search for a new manager.
Three men have already been interviewed: Former Nationals and Indians manager Manny Acta, former Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch and current Padres bench coach Rick Renteria. In addition, Rays bench coach Dave Martinez is expected to be interviewed later this week.
The Cubs may favor Acta and Hinch due to their experience managing major league teams. Both Renteria and Martinez have managerial experience in the minors. Martinez seems like a good fit as he has helped the Rays develop their young players over the years, something the Cubs are said to value very highly.
President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein is hoping to have a manager in place by the Nov. 11 general manager meetings, but a resolution may come even sooner than that.
Mattingly to return in 2014
Sources familiar with the situation tell Jon Heyman of CBS Sports that manager Don Mattingly is expected to return in 2014 with the Dodgers regardless of what happens in the NLCS.
Mattingly does not currently have a contract for next year, but the team holds an option to bring him back. If they were to decline that option, he would become a managerial free agent. There had been speculation that the team could let him go and search for someone new due to strategy decisions made during the playoffs. He had nearly been fired mid-season when the Dodgers were in last place.
Players in the clubhouse seem to be in favor of Mattingly’s return, but both the manager and the team’s front office have been tight lipped about any contract negotiations. Whether the Dodgers will operate on a one year deal by picking up his option or sign Mattingly to a long-term extension remains to be seen.
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