The MLB offseason is heating up since the World Series ended Wednesday night. While all teams are trying to figure out which free agents they want to keep, some teams still need to secure their manager for next season. Let's take a look at the latest news involving teams searching for a new skipper:
MLB manager roundup: Dave Valle interviews with Mariners, Tigers interview Rick Renteria
Taking a look at the latest news involving teams need a new manager for the 2014 season.
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Valle interviews with Mariners
The Seattle Mariners interviewed former catcher Dave Valle for their managerial opening, reports Ted Keith of Sports Illustrated.
Valle spent 13 years catching in the majors, including 10 seasons in Seattle. He has worked in the Mariners broadcast booth and analyzed games for MLB Network since his retirement. Valle has no previous major or minor league managing experience, but that requirement has been increasingly minimized by MLB teams.
Mariners general manager Jeff Zduriencik interview Valle last week after the catcher expressed interest in the position, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com.
Tigers interview Renteria
The Detroit Tigers interviewed their fourth known candidate on Thursday, Padres bench coach Rick Renteria, according to John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press:
Renteria has been a popular name this offseason, interviewing for at least three open manager positions. The Chicago Cubs and Mariners have also expressed interest in the bench coach, with Renteria reportedly the Cubs leading candidate.
Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon, Dodgers third-base coach Tim Wallach and Padres front-office special assistant Brad Ausmus have also interviewed for the position.
Nationals officially hire Williams
The Washington Nationals announced Thursday that Arizona Diamondbacks third base coach Matt Williams will serve as the team's next manager, confirming earlier reports.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo discussed the decision to hire Williams with the Associated Press, stating:
”Matt played with intensity as a player, but he also was a terrific teammate. You talk to the guys that he played with, and they swear by him. He was always team first, and self second. He was the consummate team player and a great teammate. He was a leader in the clubhouse, by example and also a vocal leader.
As a manager candidate, I feel he has the same fire, same desire, and the same team-first attitude that will be taken well by the players. He’s always been a players’ guy as a player, and I think he’ll continue to be a players’ guy as a manager.”
The team will hold a press conference introducing Williams on Friday.
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