Five manager candidates emerge for Tampa Bay Rays

Following Joe Maddon’s decision to opt out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, the team finds itself beginning the process of naming a new manager. Five candidates have emerged as “names to consider”, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

• Dave Martinez – Maddon’s bench coach
• Gabe Kapler – FOX broadcaster, former Ray
• Tim Bogar – former Rangers bench coach and interim manager
• Joe McEwing – White Sox third base coach
• Charlie Montoyo – Rays’ Triple-A Durham manager

Martinez might be the early favorite, for a variety of reasons. He would be the most likely option should the team put an emphasis on maintaining some continuity. Having served as Maddon’s bench coach for the past few seasons, there is an existing level of familiarity and comfort within the clubhouse. There have been reports that the team’s front office has already started to reach out to players to gauge what kind of manager they’d like to see hired into the position, further suggesting that some consistency might be ideal.

Bogar and McEwing are the only two who have any Major League coaching experience, which may give them a leg up to some degree. Bogar has interviewed for multiple manager openings to date and was considered a finalist for the job with Texas before they opted to hire Jeff Banister.

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Kapler has become a popular name that’s come up lately with regards to manager openings across the league. The former outfielder has managed in the minor leagues and was long viewed as a potential candidate to take on this role in the future. His work as a television analyst has brought him back into the spotlight as a real possibility.

It’s worth noting that some sentiment has begun to arise around the league that the timing of Maddon’s departure could benefit the Rays. His contract was set to expire after the coming season and his expected contract demands – he’s believed to be seeking a five year, $25 million deal – likely meant that a departure from Tampa Bay may have been inevitable. The team can essentially begin the process a year earlier than expected.