Busy week in Alderson's search for Mets' new manager
Sandy Alderson answers questions during a press conference after being introduced as the Mets' general manager. (Oct. 29, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
The Mets interviewed six candidates for GM before deciding on Sandy Alderson on Oct. 29. At this rate, a half-dozen might be only a starting point when it comes to selecting a manager, and Alderson already is lining up the next group for the upcoming week.
Alderson has interviewed five internal candidates for the job, with Bob Melvin and Terry Collins appearing to emerge as early favorites from a first round that also included Dave Jauss, Wally Backman and Chip Hale. Alderson is expected to interview Triple-A Buffalo manager Ken Oberkfell this week and, according to NESN.com, the Mets' GM has lined up a meeting with Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale as well.
Hale, 49, has managed six seasons in the minors, including two with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but does not have major-league managing experience. He was a first-base coach for the Rangers before spending four years as the third-base coach in Boston, where he was promoted to Terry Francona's bench coach last season.
In addition to Hale, Alderson is likely to expand his external list of candidates this week, with Rangers hitting coach Clint Hurdle and former Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu expected to get interviews. Hurdle, 53, is an attractive candidate because of his eight years as manager of the Rockies and his Mets connection; he played briefly with the team before managing in their farm system. Hurdle also is considered to be a favorite for the Pirates' managing job.
Wakamatsu, 47, didn't last two full seasons as manager of the Mariners - he was fired on Aug. 9 this year - but still is regarded as an intelligent dugout presence who could fit in Alderson's scheme and be successful with a more established club.
