As a top NL East rival prepares to meet with three experienced former managers with marquee name value, the Mets on Monday are expected to interview a potential first-timer.
Reports on Sunday said the Phillies will interview Joe Girardi, Buck Showalter and Dusty Baker for their managerial opening. The Mets, according to an industry source, plan to speak Monday with Mike Bell, the Diamondbacks’ vice president of player development, for their vacancy.
Girardi, Bell, Carlos Beltran, Twins bench coach Derek Shelton and Mets quality control coach Luis Rojas are the known candidates to replace Mickey Callaway, as the Amazin’s managerial search enters a second week.
Bell, 44, interviewed for the Orioles’ and Rangers’ managerial openings last offseason and is well-respected within the industry as an administrator. His grandfather Gus, father Buddy and brother David all played in the major leagues. Buddy managed the Tigers, Rockies and Royals and David is the Reds’ manager.
“The first point goes to the family and the genetics,” said a major league executive who previously worked with Mike Bell in Arizona. “He fits in with multiple generations of people who have been around the game and have a huge impact on the game. But the thing I respect the most about Mike is he’s done a little bit of everything now, from manager in the minors to field coordinator to farm director. You look at his hiring history, it’s one of his really good traits. He has such a good feel for the game in general.”
The executive said Bell is a calm personality, unlike his brother David.
“Comparatively, I would probably consider [Mike] along the same lines as like A.J. Hinch,” the executive said, referring to the Astros’ manager. “A.J. was the right guy the first time [as Diamondbacks manager], but it was the wrong time. And now I think we’re seeing a little bit of A.J. flourish in a little better situation. I think if put in the right situation, Mike could be the same.”
Girardi, who guided the Yankees to their last World Series title in 2009, has already interviewed for the Cubs’ opening. Now the Phillies are joining the mix, according to The Athletic. Showalter and Baker are also under consideration, according to reports, to replace Gabe Kapler, who was fired last week.
Other than the Mets, Cubs and Phillies, managerial vacancies exist with the Giants, Padres, Pirates, Angels and Royals.
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