Reports: Dodgers narrow managerial search to three finalists
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the only team in Major League Baseball still without a manager, but it’s looking like the search for their 32nd full-time skipper may finally be nearing the final stages.
According to ESPN’s Jim Bowden, the Dodgers had narrowed their search down to four finalists — Bud Black, Darrin Erstad, Gabe Kapler and Dave Roberts — as of Friday afternoon.
We’vve since learned that Erstad has removed his name from consideration, bringing the list to three.
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Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times adds that final interviews are expected to carry over into next week. That would indicate a decision isn’t imminent, but could reasonably be expected before the end of next week.
The Dodgers have been on the hunt for a new skipper since mutually parting ways with Don Mattingly on Oct. 22. Mattingly landed on his feet quickly, agreeing to manage the Miami Marlins on Nov. 2. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have been holding an exhaustive search that saw nine different candidates interviewed over the past three weeks.
According to Bowden, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will give the final recommendation to ownership on whom to hire for this position. He’s in consultation with general manager Farhan Zaidi, senior VP of baseball operations Josh Byrnes and director of baseball operations Alex Tamin. That means a lot of feedback has been flowing and may to some degree muddy the waters as they attempt to land the right man for the job.
As for who might be the favorite, farm director Gabe Kapler was considered the clear front-runner early in the process. In fact, many viewed him as a manager-in-waiting once he was given the farm director job last winter. Bowden suggests the Dodgers are still leaning that way, but with the process dragging out that clearly indicates the Dodgers were never married to that idea, if it was a thought to begin with.
Kapler, 40, does have limited managerial experience. He managed the Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox back in 2007 during a hiatus from his playing career. He has no coaching or managerial experience in the majors, however, though that obviously doesn’t carry the same weight it used to.
If not Kapler, many believe it’s Dave Roberts’ job to lose. Roberts reportedly did well in his initial interview, which may have motivated the Dodgers to truly open the search up. Where Kapler shares a strong belief in analytics with the Dodgers retooled front office, Roberts might be viewed as a better fit with the players.
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Former Padres manager Bud Black, whom Roberts stepped in for as interim manager for one game this past season, is considered a long shot. As was Erstad before he pulled out of the running. Focusing on Black, he would bring the most experience to the table.
Obviously, whoever takes over in Los Angeles will immediately be placed under a microscope. Even if they can’t re-sign Zack Greinke, the Dodgers should be built to contend again, and there will be pressure to get over that postseason hump that Mattingly was unable to clear. In that regard, the job could be both a blessing and a curse, but just getting the job at this point should be considered a victory.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
