New York Yankees have interviewed Eric Wedge for manager job
The New York Yankees are searching far and wide for a new manager, and they’ve at least talked to someone with experience now.
The New York Yankees made a fairly controversial decision to not bring Joe Girardi back as manager after an ALCS appearance, with general manager Brian Cashman citing a lack of ability to connect with players. Girardi’s longevity as Yankees’ manager was notable on its own, but someone else will lead the next step for an organization flush with talent.
Cashman has said he wants someone he knows, and long-time Yankees bench coach Rob Thompson interviewed for the manager job this week. First base coach Tony Pena also stands out as an internal candidate, and one-time Yankee player Jerry Hairston Jr. is also a reported candidate.
Things have ramped up a little on the managerial front in the Bronx this week. YES Network analysts David Cone and John Flaherty have both made their interest in being the next Yankees manager known, and ESPN analyst Aaron Boone has also surfaced as a candidate.
Interviews may or may not be coming for Cone, Flaherty or Boone. But the Yankees have interviewed someone with managerial experience.
Yankees have announced Eric Wedge has been interviewed for manager's job.
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) November 10, 2017
Wedge has been working as a player-development coach for the Toronto Blue Jays for the last two years. But he managed the Cleveland Indians (2003-2009) and the Seattle Mariners (2011-2013), with a combined record of 774-846 (.478 win percentage) and one playoff appearance. Among the candidates that have come to light lately, Wedge stands out solely based on his experience as a manager.
Related Story: 5 candidates to replace Joe Girardi as Yankees manager
It seemed safe to assume the Yankees had someone in mind to replace Girardi before deciding not to bring him back. While that may still be the case to some degree, any assumptions about how wide (or not wide) a search would be have been quickly dismissed. Previous experience is apparently not a prerequisite, but Cashman better get this hire right after lamenting Girardi’s shortcomings.