Rays name eight potential managers, including not-yet-retired Raul Ibanez
The transition from playing pro sports to coaching them has certainly accelerated in recent years. So it’s not altogether surprising that veteran MLB star Raul Ibanez is a candidate for the open Tampa Bay Rays managerial job, even though he was an active player just two months ago.
What is a bit strange: Ibanez hasn’t yet announced his retirement.
The Rays announced on Thursday eight candidates to potentially replace Joe Maddon, with Ibanez on the list alongside bench coach Dave Martinez and former Indians/Nationals manager Manny Acta. Also named: ex-player Craig Counsell, Royals bench coach Don Wakamatsu, Giants bench coach Ron Wotus, Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash and Rays Triple-A manager Charlie Montoyo.
Martinez is looked at as the favorite, since he’s been the Rays’ bench coach since the 2008 season and has been courted for managerial gigs elsewhere. But Ibanez is the most interesting name on the list.
At 42, he just finished his 19th MLB season, splitting time with the Angels and Royals. Hitting a career-low .167 in 2014 has fueled the belief that Ibanez will retire this fall. But just a few weeks ago, he was alongside the Royals every day on their run to the World Series, even though he wasn’t on the postseason roster. In many ways he served as another coach, helping the young Royals’ roster.
A few teams have expressed interest in bringing Ibanez on as a coach when he decides to stop playing, so the Rays probably knew he’d be a hot commodity and wait around.
We’ve actually seen something this recently, with another 40-year-old vet. Jason Giambi was a candidate for the Colorado Rockies‘ managerial job before the 2013 season. He was still active, and considered retiring if the Rockies wanted him to manage. They picked Walt Weiss instead, and Giambi has since played two more seasons with the Indians.
Hey, it’s good to have options.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
Mike Oz is an editor for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz
