Assuming the Nationals work out a deal to keep Davey Johnson in place, the Rockies and Blue Jays will be the only two teams still seeking managers. Here’s the latest on their respective searches…
- Walt Weiss and Matt Williams are the two remaining candidates for the Rockies' position, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports. Weiss remains the favorite, according to Saunders. Rockies bench coach Tom Runnells and veteran slugger Jason Giambi are no longer in the running for the job.
- Williams, the Diamondbacks third-base coach, told Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post that his interview for the Rockies' managerial opening went "very well." Rockies owner Dick Monfort, GM Dan O'Dowd and senior VP Bill Geivett asked Williams about his philosophy on managing in Coors Field.
- The Rockies had some talks with former Rockies player Eric Young Sr. and Steve Buechele, who manages the Rangers' Double-A team, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. There's no indication those two candidates will receive more extensive consideration, Harding writes.
- Former MLB manager and player Art Howe told Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun that he'd like to manage the Blue Jays. The 65-year-old has some connections in Toronto and says the Blue Jays can compete before long. “They have some nice talent and were very competitive until they fell off with those injuries to their position players," Howe told Elliott.
- Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reported yesterday that the Blue Jays are in no rush to find a manager. They'll resume their search following this week's GM Meetings.
