With several managerial positions open and the possibility for more fires to take place this fall, the Los Angeles Dodgers may factor into various searches across MLB.
That’s already become the case with the San Francisco Giants with relation to Bruce Bochy entering retirement. As the Giants enter into the early stages of evaluating candidates, it’s believed Dodgers bench coach Bob Geren could be on their list.
Though, the Giants’ managerial search, and that of other clubs as well, presumably will be connected to Joe Maddon’s future. He and the Chicago Cubs parted ways on Monday after five seasons that included ending the franchise’s World Series drought.
With the Cubs now looking to fill a void, Raul Ibañez will be considered and he may also wind up on the Giants’ radar as well, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network:
Raul Ibañez, long viewed as a candidate for the #SFGiants managerial vacancy, will be considered by the #Cubs, as well. Has big-market experience as a player, front-office background with #Dodgers, and is an exceptional communicator in English and Spanish. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 30, 2019
Ibañez spent 19 seasons in the Majors, playing for the Seattle Mariners (1996-2000, 2004-08, 2013), Kansas City Royals (2001-03, 2014), Philadelphia Phillies (2009-11), New York Yankees (2012) and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2014).
He was hired by the Dodgers as a special assistant to the general manager in February 2016. Ibañez previously was finalist for the Tampa Bay Rays managerial job, though withdrew his name from consideration in December 2014.
Upon joining the Dodgers’ front office, he worked closely with Farhan Zaidi, who of course now is president of baseball operations with the Giants. Zaidi’s history with and ties to Geren and Ibañez presumably is factor in the Giants believed to have interest in both.
The Dodgers decided against hiring a new GM when Zaidi left the organization to lead the Giants’ front office.
With the array of recent changes, Craig Counsell, hired in May 2015, now the longest tenured manager in the National League. The Dodgers hired Dave Roberts in November 2015 and agreed to a four-year contract extension last December.
