Diamondbacks close to hiring next manager

The Arizona Diamondbacks are getting close to deciding on a new manager, with Jim Tracy, Chip Hale, Sandy Alomar Jr., Phil Nevin and Turner Ward the final candidates, sources familiar with the situation said. A decision is expected within the next day or two.

Top D-Backs decision-makers Derrick Hall, Tony La Russa and DeJon Watson were reported by MLB.com to be meeting Sunday night to hash it out.

Tracy, Hale, Alomar and Nevin were first reported to be the top candidates by USA Today. Ward was being discussed as well, though the others may be more likely, based on experience.

Tracy, the former Dodgers and Pirates manager, is the one finalist with major-league managing experience, and while some close to La Russa suggest he might find that preferable, it’s also true none of the other candidates had such experience. Joe McEwing, the White Sox third base coach, and Andy Green, a minor-league manager for the D-Backs, are among others to interview.

Hale and Alomar are expected to be interviewed by the Twins, who aren’t as far along in their process. Minnesota’s interest in Alomar was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. Hale, the A’s bench coach, was a candidate previously to be a manager for the Mets and Mariners. Alomar, the Indians’ bench coach, was a candidate with the Blue Jays, Red Sox and Cubs for their managerial jobs in past years.

Nevin, an up and comer, is a manager in the D-Backs’ minor-league chain. Ward was assistant hitting coach for Arizona this past year under manager Kirk Gibson, who was let go with two days left in a season in which the D-Backs finished with the worst record in MLB (64-98).

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