As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their search for a new manager, they need not look far for one candidate, with Tim Wallach among the coaches still available.
The 58 year old is coming off a second season as Dodgers bench coach, after spending the previous three seasons on Don Mattingly’s staff as third base coach. Wallach previously worked on the Dodgers’ Major League staff as the hitting coach in 2004 and 2005.
His managerial experience in the Dodgers’ organization began in 2009, when he was named manager of the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. Over two seasons, the former Dodger led the franchise to a 152-135 record.
In 2009 Wallach guided the Isotopes to a record-setting 80-win season, along with winning the American Southern Division Title. Also in 2009, his effort earned him the Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year Award, and he was rated as Baseball America’s “Best manager prospect.”
During his time on the Dodgers’ staff, Wallach has received interest from multiple organizations over the past few seasons. Following the 2013 season, he interviewed with Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners.
This offseason, Wallach interviewed with the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals. He was passed over each time; though, the Nationals have yet to make their expected hiring of Bud Black official.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed on Oct. 22 the coaching contracts expired at season’s end. While the Dodgers reportedly are nearing an agreement to retain pitching coach Rick Honeycutt, there’s been no update on Wallach or others from the 2015 staff.
The managerial opening in Los Angeles remains the lone vacancy in the Majors, which suggests Wallach either becomes the Dodgers’ next manager, joins Mattingly’s staff in Miami, or manages in the Minors.
Friedman did state previous managerial experience is not a requirement, with his focus on finding the correct fit and best overall option for the organization. Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi specifically put stock in a candidate’s ability to lead and teach players, with the roster shifting to one with more youth on it.
The familiarity Wallach has with the current roster of the Dodgers could be viewed as a positive.
However, with Wallach essentially coming from the Mattingly coaching tree, it could be a negative if Friedman is inclined to completely go away from what’s been in place in Los Angeles over the last five seasons.
