October 16, 200520 yr MIAMI -- Much of the Marlins' managerial search is centered on working out a deal with Joe Girardi. But the process is taking some time, as the Yankees' bench coach also plans on interviewing with the Devil Rays on Sunday. A front-runner who has had two face-to-face meetings with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, Girardi is weighing his options. His agent, Steve Mandell, who attended a formal interview with Girardi in New York on Wednesday, expects to be in discussions with Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest this weekend. According to the Palm Beach Post, Girardi is considering hiring former slugger Andres Galarraga as his hitting coach. A Venezuelan native, Galarraga is seen as someone who would work nicely with Florida's 22-year-old slugger Miguel Cabrera, also from Venezuela. Along with Girardi, the search for a manager to replace Jack McKeon, who stepped down on Oct. 2, has expanded. The club also has interviewed Braves third-base coach Fredi Gonzalez, who hasn't heard back from the team since he interviewed in New York on Tuesday. A's third-base coach Ron Washington was also interviewed on Tuesday. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Marlins have also interviewed Marty Scott, who has managed in the Minor Leagues, along with the Independent and International Leagues. Scott has long been a friend of Loria, but he is not considered a front-runner. Devil Rays first-base coach Billy Hatcher and former Mariners pitching coach Bryan Price have also interviewed. Additionally, Tampa Bay third-base coach Tom Foley is expected to interview sometime next week, perhaps on Monday. Whoever manages the club is expected to have a big say in the coaches hired. The Marlins are expecting first base/infield coach Perry Hill to return. And pitching coach Mark Wiley has had conversations with the club since the season ended, and he is hopeful of coming back. Harry Dunlop, the bench coach this past season and a longtime friend of McKeon, does not anticipate coaching at the Major League level next year. Dunlop, 72, lives in Sacramento, Calif. He has informed the Marlins that he would be available to do some scouting, if the club needed, on the West Coast. Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
October 17, 200520 yr Even if we don't hire Girardi, it would be great to see Galarraga as our hitting coach!
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