Rays announce preliminary candidates for managerial job
The Tampa Bay Rays announced eight preliminary candidates for their managerial opening on Thursday. Tampa Bay is in need of a manager following the departure of longtime manager Joe Maddon, who has since been hired by the Chicago Cubs.
The Rays' preliminary interview candidates are Manny Acta, Kevin Cash, Craig Counsell, Raul Ibanez, Dave Martinez, Charlie Montoyo, Don Wakamatsu and Ron Wotus.
Of the eight, two have previously served as managers in the majors. Acta has managed the Washington Nationals and Cleveland Indians. Wakamatsu (currently the Kansas City Royals bench coach) managed the Seattle Mariners in 2009 and 2010.
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Martinez is currently the Rays bench coach, while Montoyo has spent eight seasons as manager of Tampa Bay's Triple-A team. Wotus has served as the San Francisco Giants bench coach since 1999, and Cash, a former catcher, is currently the Indians bullpen coach.
Counsell, a former infielder, has no professional coaching experience, nor does Ibanez, who is currently a free agent. Counsell currently works as a special assistant in the Milwaukee Brewers front office.
Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman released a statement saying the team expects the list of candidates to grow throughout the process.
Tampa Bay went 77-85 in 2014, finishing in fourth in the AL East.
- Molly Geary
