MLB manager rumor roundup: Could Cal Ripken manage the Nationals?
Ripken may be getting the itch to get back into baseball. Meanwhile the Cubs’ search continues and the Rockies are working on an extension.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Longtime Orioles' great Cal Ripken Jr. says that he would listen if the Nationals asked him about filling their open manager vacancy, reports Jon Heyman at CBSSports.com. However, Ripken refused to say he was definitely interested in the job, however.
Ripken has been the subject of rumors as Washington seeks a replacement for the retiring Davey Johnson. Even Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth says Ripken would be his top choice to manage the team.
The Nationals wouldn’t be the first team to approach Ripken about joining their staff as a manager. In the past, he has always turned them down. On the other hand, he has talked about an interest in getting back into baseball in a managerial capacity before.
Ripken will not say outright whether he would take a manager job or a front office job with a team, but it appears he does have at least some interest.
A.J. Hinch a candidate for Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are planning on contacting San Diego Padres executive A.J. Hinch about the team's vacant managerial position, reports Jon Heyman.
The Cubs fired former manager Dale Sveum last week due to perceived failures in bringing along the team's young talent. Hinch would be better prepared to take on that role having served in player development for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hinch also managed the Diamondbacks in 2009 and 2010, accumulating an 89-123 record.
Hinch would allegedly have an interest in taking the job if it were offered to him. The Cubs are also rumored to be looking at Yankees manager Joe Girardi to manage the team.
Weiss discussing contract with Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are working on hammering out a deal with manager Walt Weiss to keep him in Denver, reports the Denver Post.
Team owner Dick Monfort is expected to meet with Weiss and members of the front office on Wednesday in an effort to speed up negotiations.
The main sticking point is the length of the contract. Weiss took a one-year deal to manage the Rockies in 2013, leading the team to a 74-88 record. Now that he has the experience, Weiss would like a multi-year deal.
The two sides do not seem far apart and a new contract is likely to be agreed upon soon.
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