After weeks of interviewing candidates to replace future Hall-of-Fame manager Terry Francona, the Cleveland Guardians appear to have narrowed their managerial search down to a select few.
Cleveland.com Guardians beat writer Paul Hoynes recently wrote an article in which he discusses who he believes are the current favorites for the team’s manager position.
Hoynes believes that the three favorites are: longtime Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell, Seattle Mariners bullpen and quality control coach Stephen Vogt, and New York Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza.
For now, it looks like Counsell is the Guardians’ preferred candidate. Hoynes writes:
“Counsell is the leader in the clubhouse, but he has other opportunities. He interviewed with the Mets on Thursday and could return to the Brewers. The Astros have also expressed an interest.”
The 53-year-old interviewed for the Guardians’ manager position this past Monday.
If Counsell chooses to go elsewhere, then Vogt and Mendoza appear to be next in line.
Hoynes writes that Vogt, “must have made quite an impression in his interviews with Cleveland.”
He additionally says:
“Also, Vogt is long on humor and inspiration. He received the nickname ‘I Believe’ when he became a cult hero with the A’s. If the Guardians do hire Vogt, some members of Francona’s coaching staff could help him settle into his new job.”
Regarding Mendoza, Hoynes writes:
“The Guardians started with a list of 45-48 possible candidates. Mendoza interviewed fairly early in the process, and his name has stayed near the top of their list.”
Since the San Francisco Giants officially announced Bob Melvin as their new manager on October 25th, the MLB world is waiting to see which manager vacancy will be filled next.
Time will tell if this distinction belongs to the Guardians.
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