Rumors for Manager
White Sox targeting Dave Martinez as next manager
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According to a Major League source close to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Chicago White Sox GM Ken Williams has Tampa Bay Rays’ bench coach Dave Martinez on the top of his short list for his next manager.
There had been previous rumors that former Red Sox manager, Terry Francona, had been the number one candidate for the White Sox, but another source close to Rosenthal said that Martinez is the top choice. Martinez was a White Sox outfielder from 1995-1997.
Another candidate for the job could be Yankees’ bench coach Tony Pena. Both Pena and Martinez are unavailable until their respective teams complete their postseason.
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Red Sox and Francona officially part ways
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According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports,the Boston Red Sox and manager Terry Francona have officially parted ways. Francona released a statement saying, “I ultimately felt that, out of respect to this team, it was time for me to move on.”
The Red Sox held a club option for Francona for 2012 and 2013, which they ultimately decided not to exercise.
Two possibles destination for Francona could be the Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Cubs. Francona won two World Series rings with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007, so it shouldn’t be difficult for him to find a new team.
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Francona and Red Sox expected to part ways
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According to Major League sources close to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Terry Francona is expected to leave his position as the manager of the Boston Red Sox as soon as Friday. The Red Sox hold a club option for Francona for 2012 and 2013, so the team basically would not exercise their options for those season.
Rosenthal speculates that the Chicago White Sox and the Cubs could be possible destinations for Francona. The latter option would require the Cubs to fire incumbent manager Mike Quade.
Red Sox GM, Theo Epstein, said that “nobody blames what happened in September on Tito.”
“That would be totally irresponsible and shortsighted,” Epstein said. “As an organization we have to look at our successes and failures, and what happened in 2011 — we take full responsibility for it. All of us collectively look at it as a failure. I’m the general manager, so I take more responsibility than anybody.
“But I know we don’t believe in scapegoats, particularly blaming Tito for what happened in September. We all failed collectively. We’re all together in this; we’ve got to live with that. We’re not pointing fingers at any one person in particular.”
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Indians exercise Manny Acta’s option for next season
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The Cleveland Indians have decided to exercise manager Manny Acta’s option for next season according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Acta was in his final year of a three-year deal he had with the team.
The Indians had a terrific start in 2011, but they collapsed in the second half and lost the division to the Detroit Tigers. After losing yesterday, the Indians left their record in 80-82, and 15 games behind the Tigers.
Marlins sign Ozzie Guillen to a four-year, $10 million deal
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According to sources close to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, Ozzie Guillen’s new deal with the Florida Marlins is for $10 million through four years.
The source says that Guillen was making $1.8 million with the White Sox. The new manager will be introduced today in a Press Conference at 1 p.m ET at Sun Life Stadium. Guillen was traded from the White Sox earlier this week after he couldn’t agree to a contract extension with the team.
Update: 9/29 11:45am PST
Per a White Sox press release:
The Chicago White Sox have acquired right-handed pitcher Jhan Mariñez and infielder Ozzie Martinez from the Florida Marlins. The White Sox also assigned the contract of right-hander Ricardo Andres to Florida. The transaction was agreed upon by both clubs, and was contingent upon the Marlins reaching an agreement with Ozzie Guillen for their managerial position.
Davey Johnson wants to manage Nationals in 2012
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In a Tweet by Bill Ladson of MLB.com, he says that Davey Johnson would like to manage the Washington Nationals in 2012. Johnson adds that he is the “‘best candidate’ for the Nats’ managerial job.” Johnson was named the Nationals’ manager on June 26, 2011 after Jim Riggleman unexpectedly resigned from the team a few days earlier.
Johnson, 68, has so far led the Nats to a 39-43 record, third place in the National League East. Ben Goessling of MASN reported on September 26 that Johnson has hinted that he’s leaning toward coming back.
“I love where we’re at in the development stage of some of these young players,” Johnson said. “The other thing is, my wife seems to enjoy getting back on the road again. She likes to travel, more than I do.”
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New York Mets exercise Terry Collins option for 2013
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The New York Mets have exercised Terry Collins’ team option for the 2013 season, Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports.
The 62-year-old manager led the Mets to a 76-84 record through 160 games in his first season as the team’s skipper. The Mets will finish in fourth place regardless of the outcome of the final two games of the 2011 season.
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Jack McKeon to retire after season
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Florida Marlins manager, Jack McKeon, will retire after the season, according to Joe Capozzi of The Palm Beach Post.
The Marlins hired McKeon on June 20, 2011 to replace Edwin Rodriguez after the former skipper unexpectedly resigned mid-season.
McKeon’s retirement could open the door for current White Sox manager, Ozzie Guillen to lead the team into their new stadium in 2012. Guillen is under contract through 2012 with the White Sox.
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Melvin and Athletics agree to three-year contract
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Manager Bob Melvin and the Oakland Athletics have agreed to a three-year contract, according to two sources close to The Associated Press (as reported by Janie Mccauley). Melvin is expected to receive his new deal in the coming days.
Melvin has been the team’s interim manager since taking over for Bob Geren in June. Heading into tonight’s game, he has a 42-48 record.
“Everybody in this locker room would be really excited,” shortstop Cliff Pennington said. “We love him. We’re hoping that he’s back.”
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Ozzie Guillen wants contract extension
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Chicago White Sox manager wants a contract extension, according to the Associated Press.
The report says that Guillen does not want to be a lame duck manager entering his final year of his contract in 2012. He wants the White Sox to tell him if they’ll want him beyond next season before the 2011 ends.
It was in late August that Guillen was prepared to walk away from his 2012 contract before Opening Day next April.
The 47-year-old Guillen is currently in third place with and will miss the playoffs this season despite being expected to contend for the AL Central title.
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