While the more recent news in Chicago seems to point that former Chicago Cubs catcher, Joe Girardi was not a finalist for their opening, it appears he has picked up steam elsewhere. Early on, the noise was that the New York Mets wanted Girardi, then they shifted to Carlos Beltran and Tim Bogar. The Cubs seem to be in a best of 4.265 million coin flip between David Ross and Joe Espada. The San Diego Padres seemingly have narrowed things down to former Texas Rangers skipper, Ron Washington or Jayce Tingler.
Now the news is that the Philadelphia Phillies are circling around Joe Girardi.
Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi is in Philadelphia today for a second meeting with Phillies management. He is the clear favorite for that job as the Phillies are all in to try to win in 2020.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) October 21, 2019
It is believed that the Phillies are looking to make a decision by Thursday, a scheduled day off during the World Series.
The Mets and Cubs appear to have no real urgency, and there has been some whispers that the Cubs are entertaining some additional interviews with new candidates.
I don’t believe the Cubs’ lack of urgency points to them not being sold on any of the current candidates, it is more likely a sign of their efforts to leave no stone unturned. Well… except Ned Yost, that stone can remain unturned.
While Ross, one of the Cubs favorites hasn’t been rumored anywhere else this season, the Minnesota Twins requested to speak to him last offseason. Then they hired Rocco Baldelli, and won 100 games with a previously inexperienced manager.
Espada has had interest from some other organizations. Both the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants have had an interest in him.
Pirates have also inquired about Astros bench coach Joe Espada. Busy man. In mix in SF in CHI too. And oh yes, his current team is still going.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 19, 2019
The Pirates are casting a wide net, but it doesn’t seem like they’ve even really caught anything as of yet. Several names have been on their list, Mike Bell, Sam Fuld, Jeff Banister, and Derek Shelton join Espada. They have also expressed interest or interviewed Stubby Clapp and Ryan Christenson.
The Giants have several names on their list as well. Mark Kotsay, the Cubs Will Venable, Pedro Grifol, Matt Quatraro, as well as Espada. It does appear that Kotsay is the favorite to land the difficult task of following Bruce Bochy.
I am now expecting that the Cubs name their next manager soon after the World Series concludes. Their list, while it started at six, is theoretically down to two. Ross was the likely favorite just a week ago, but that lead may have shrunk after the most recent interview with Espada on Sunday.
