Buck Showalter Among Finalists for Angels Manager Position
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Buck Showalter is one of the top candidates to become the next manager of the Los Angeles Angels. Showalter’s name has been linked to the Angels’ vacancy for nearly a month, shortly after the New York Mets announced that he would not be returning as their manager next season. Morosi’s report suggests that the Angels have progressed to at least a secondary stage in their search, although specific details about the list of candidates remain scarce.
In addition to Showalter, other potential candidates for the Angels’ managerial position include Benji Gil, Ron Roenicke, Torii Hunter, Darin Erstad, and Tim Salmon. It is unclear how many formal interviews have taken place, but USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Angels plan to interview Hunter, Erstad, and Salmon. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the candidate pool, Showalter appears to be a strong contender due to his impressive track record. Among the candidates, Roenicke is the only one with previous experience as a big league manager.
Mets Narrow Managerial Search to Counsell and Mendoza
The New York Mets’ search for a new manager may be down to just two candidates, Craig Counsell and Carlos Mendoza, according to SNY’s Andy Martino. Earlier reports had suggested that Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was also under consideration, but The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal revealed that Kotsay is no longer part of the Mets’ search. Although the A’s granted permission for Kotsay to speak with the Mets, it seems unlikely that he will be leaving his current position. Kotsay has been the manager of the Oakland Athletics for the past two seasons, overseeing a team in the midst of a significant rebuild.
Phillies Announce Cesar Ramos as New Bullpen Coach
The Philadelphia Phillies have named Cesar Ramos as their bullpen coach for the upcoming 2024 season. Ramos has been part of the Phillies organization for the past four seasons and previously served as the pitching coach for Philadelphia’s Triple-A affiliate from 2022 to 2023. Ramos is best known for his eight-year pitching career with the Padres, Rays, Angels, and Rangers from 2009 to 2016.
Blue Jays Reassign Hitting Strategist Dave Hudgens
The Toronto Blue Jays have made changes to their coaching staff, reassigning hitting strategist Dave Hudgens to a different role within the organization. Hudgens had been one of three batting-related coaches on the Jays’ staff, along with hitting coach Guillermo Martinez and assistant hitting coach Hunter Mense. The decision to reassign Hudgens comes after the Blue Jays’ lineup struggled during the 2023 season. Hudgens has been with the Blue Jays since the 2018-19 offseason, previously serving as the club’s bench coach.
Padres Name Mike Daly as Triple-A Manager
The San Diego Padres have appointed Mike Daly, their assistant farm director, as the manager of their Triple-A affiliate for the upcoming season. This hiring is somewhat unconventional, as Daly has no prior experience as a manager, coach, or player at any level. Daly’s extensive front office career began with the Cleveland Indians, where he worked in baseball operations and scouting from 2001 to 2006. He then spent 15 seasons with the Texas Rangers, eventually rising to the position of assistant general manager. Daly joined the Padres organization in 2021, following his previous collaboration with A.J. Preller in the Rangers’ front office.