It's beginning to look more and more like Farhan Zaidi might have found his man.
The Giants' search for a new manager has featured a number of candidates -- from A's quality control coach Mark Kotsay to Cubs first base coach Will Venable -- interviewing to replace legendary manager Bruce Bochy. One name that has become prevalent in recent days is Astros bench coach Joe Espada.
Zaidi reportedly interviewed Espada over the phone since the Astros currently are playing the Nationals in the World Series. Espada appears to check most of the boxes for Zaidi, and the Astros bench coach is flying to San Francisco on Thursday. during Houston's off day, for an in-person interview, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported.
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Espada, 44, hasn't managed in the big leagues yet, but he has worn just about every other hat. He has been a bench coach, a third base coach and an infield coach in the majors, as well as a hitting coach and an infield coach in the minors. He also managed in the Puerto Rico Winter League and has been a coach in the World Baseball Classic.
Espada's interview with the Giants comes after the Cubs, Phillies and Padres all have chosen their next managers. The Cubs are bringing in David Ross, while the Phillies are hiring Joe Girardi and the Padres reportedly settled on Jayce Tingler.
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San Francisco Giants
Zaidi and the Giants will take their time determining Bochy's successor. There's no reason to believe a decision will be made until after the Nationals and Astros have finished their World Series clash. Many have interviewed, and more candidates still could be on the way.
But Espada has done something to get Zaidi's attention, and it looks like he might be one of the leaders to take the reins at Oracle Park at the moment.
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