Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough has interviewed for the vacant Royals managerial post, and is considered a finalist for the job, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. It’s been previously reported that the Royals have interviewed Phillies third base coach Dusty Wathan and Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro. They’ve also looked in-house as well, interviewing current bench coach Pedro Grifol, third base coach Vance Wilson and Triple-A skipper Scott Thorman. It’s not clear if any of those names are considered finalists.
McCullough was a 22nd round draft pick for Cleveland in 2002, but spent just three seasons as a catcher in the minor leagues before retiring from playing at 25. He quickly moved into coaching, and worked as a manager within the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system between 2007 and 2014. The Dodgers hired him as their minor league field coordinator after his time in Toronto, and he was promoted to first base coach for the major league team in 2021.
It’s not the first time McCullough has been linked to a big league managerial post, as he earned an interview from the Mets for their vacant position in 2021 before they ultimately went with Buck Showalter. The 42-year-old also interviewed for the Giants position prior to the team hiring Gabe Kapler.
While the list of known candidates to interview for the position continues to grow, the fact that the Royals appear to be narrowing it down to finalists does suggest that the process is getting closer to reaching a conclusion. The Royals parted ways with Mike Matheny at the end of the season after a 65-97 record in 2022.
would seem strange to hire a guy with no experience managing above A ball and little playing experience (including none in the majors).
I don’t really think MLB playing experience is necessary but you’d ideally like more minor league managerial experience I guess.
So which ones are the people of color to make MLB happy, even though they wont be hired?
Who cares?
The trend is guys who have never managed. Biggest key is relating and understanding the player dynamic.
Honestly in game strategy is pretty basic. Not much experience needed. Like you say, relating to the different personalities in a clubhouse is the important thing.
I’d say more than ever, the “managerial decision” are more front office decisions just being carried out by a manager. Keeping the clubhouse/managing personalities/relating to players/coaching & developing players is more akin to what a modern manager is responsible for.
And the White Sox keep waiting until everyone else fills their manager vacancies and the Sox pick what’s left. I think backup catchers who spend most of their time watching from the bench would make pretty good managers.
White Sox would be smart to make Aaron Judge the player/manager.
Remember Lou B.@ Cleveland
Sox are too cheap to sign or trade for one of the top players. I was naive to think they would go after Simeon last year because of their glaring deficit at second base, but they nothing at all to improve the team and it showed.
He must be a man of faith as that is the most important thing in the Royals organization.
I think it’s more because his dad is a scout for the Royals. A large majority of the U.S. is Christian so the chances of picking up a Christian guy is very high.
So is Kanye but they won’t hire him.
Ye?
You mean they wouldn’t sign a Christian antisemite?
Check your numbers. It’s now a slim majority, and shrinking. Won’t be the majority within 10 years.
@stymeedone…I was curious about the numbers and your third sentence. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, Americans who identify as Christian could dip below 50% by 2070 (was 64% in 2020).
So, it’s definitely shrinking, “but within 10 years” seems a bit of a stretch.
Maybe a decent 10 year bet be if people identifying as Christian become a minority in US before KC wins another WS.
I’d take KC, just slightly.
We fired Dayton bro. John Sherman has never mentioned anything about religion so I think those days are over
I think a key for whoever is selected for KC’s manager is also who he can bring over to the organization with him. KC needs a major overhaul of its pitching development at both the minor and major league level. Whichever candidate can articulate how he can help address this might have an advantage.
Solid choice.
George Brett
Seems like the Royals next manager is more than likely going to be a former Catcher. What are Mike MacFarlane and Brent Mayne up to these days?…
I’d like someone to give Tony Pena another shot. Very unlikely to be the Royals though.
I’m surprised that no one has ever given Pena another shot at managing. Unfortunately at 65 he might not be interested anymore
Actually this would make a lot of sense. Tough to beat a great communicator like him who works with Roberts. He’d join a couple other great people who came over from LA the last few years.
If he is the Royal’s manager in 2023 he will still be managing a minor league team. The games will just be played in major league stadiums.
My initial glance of the headline had me thinking Andy McCullough might be coming back to KC, which made zero sense. Until I worked out everything in my head until it not only made sense, but it was revolutionary! I was fully on board now and proud of my team for once again zagging when everyone else was zigging.
All that only took like 5 seconds, it wasn’t as deep as it sounds. And it wasn’t my favorite ex-Royals reporter Andy McCullough. And the Royals might still be waning when everyone else is winning.
At least it ain’t gonna be Aaron Boone!