Here's the latest on a pair of big-name managers, with more details to come throughout the day:
Mariners
The Mariners told Bobby Valentine that he is no longer a candidate for their managerial opening, according to Larry Stone of the Seattle Times. The Mariners may be nearing a decision, writes Stone. Eric Wedge, Lloyd McClendon, Cecil Cooper, Clint Hurdle and Daren Brown are possible candidates. John Gibbons also heard that he isn't getting the job, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter).
Eric Wedge did "very, very" well in his interview with the Mariners, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (Twitter link).
Cardinals
The Cardinals are in daily contact with Tony La Russa, but it's not clear which way he's leaning, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). However, the AP reports (via ESPN) that talks are going well between the two sides. Pitching coach Dave Duncan knows that he'd like to return to St. Louis for at least three more seasons, according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
How weird would it be to see Dave Duncan next to a manager not named Tony LaRussa?
I like Trey Hillman as a consideration for the Mariners…but all indications are that there’s no rumblings of that at all.
lot’s of former major league catchers in the mix for the m’s
Eric Wedge seems to be rumored for every opening.
The Cards nation could also rejoice because not only do we like Oquendo (which he should be managing next year for the Cards in my opinion) but Albert loves him. That move would increase the already very high chance of keeping Albert in StL. Lets face it, if you watch Cardinals games on a regular basis, especially towards the end of last year, you can see that LaRussa just doesn’t care to be there on most nights. He knows he needs to retire because he just doesn’t love it as much as he used to, but he won’t call it quits and it’s going to hurt the Cardinals like it did this past season.