Alderson to interview Backman, Collins, Hale next

Sandy Alderson, quickly building a reputation as the busiest man in baseball, wrapped up interviews Thursday with Bob Melvin and Dave Jauss before heading to California for three more with internal candidates Wally Backman, Terry Collins and Chip Hale.

Alderson's plan from the start was to schedule in-house managerial candidates first before bringing in outside options, which are believed to include former Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu, who has Oakland ties to Alderson. Clint Hurdle, another strong possibility, interviewed for the Pirates' job Thursday.

Backman, 51, was considered an early front-runner when Jerry Manuel appeared to be on his way out. Backman seemed to pass a probationary period with Class A Brooklyn this season, but the hiring of Alderson may have been a blow to his chances.

As much as Alderson praised the attributes of a "fiery" manager during his introductory news conference a week ago, his prototype for that role - that of an obedient front-office instrument - doesn't seem to fit with Backman.

Collins, 61, has a temperament similar to Backman's, but he impressed ownership in his first year as minor-league field coordinator and also has six years' experience as a manager with the Astros (1994-96) and Angels (1997-99).

Hale, 45, also established himself in his first season as infield / third-base coach on Manuel's staff. He was a manager for six years in Arizona's minor-league system, including three with Triple-A Tucson in which he compiled a franchise-best record of 91-53 in 2006.