The Tampa Bay Rays on Friday narrowed their managerial search down to three candidates, with Don Wakamatsu, Kevin Cash and Raul Ibanez named finalists to replace Joe Maddon at the helm.
Rays managerial search down to Don Wakamatsu, Raul Ibanez, Kevin Cash
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The Rays will interview each of the three finalists in person during the week of Dec. 1. The list was whittled down from a group of 10 candidates, including Manny Acta, Craig Counsell, Doug Glanville, Barry Larkin, Dave Martinez, Charlie Montoyo and Ron Wotus.
Martinez has been the Rays bench coach for seven seasons.
“The decision on Dave Martinez was especially difficult. He’s played a key role in our organization’s evolution, and he’s done all he can to put himself in position to be a manager. In the end, we determined that our clubhouse would best benefit from a new voice that will add to our already strong and cohesive culture,” said Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman in a statement released by the team. “We’re excited to get to know our three remaining finalists better as we look to name our next manager in the coming weeks.”
Wakamatsu, 51, has the most experience of the bunch, with 17 years of coaching or managing experience, including as bench coach for the Royals in 2014. He managed in 2009 and 2010 with the Mariners, going 127-147 (.464) in Seattle as the first Asian-American manager in major league history.
See More:
