Still gaining momentum, the Orioles' 23-day-old managerial search will extend into next week with former Cleveland Indians manager Mike Hargrove, Boston Red Sox bench coach Grady Little and at least one "internal" candidate receiving strong consideration from a five-man advisory committee charged with making a recommendation to owner Peter Angelos.
Angelos likely will wait until midweek to name a manager, according to industry and club sources, after first speaking with as many as three finalists.
The advisory committee has not convened since last weekend because of obligations associated with the World Series. But executive vice president John Angelos, chairman's representative Louis Angelos, director of player personnel and de facto general manager Syd Thrift, director of player development Tom Trebelhorn and director of scouting Tony DeMacio intend to make what could be a split recommendation to Angelos as early as Sunday.
Several members of the committee left New York yesterday without scheduling an interview with Atlanta Braves hitting coach Don Baylor, once considered an attractive possibility but now believed ready to become the Chicago Cubs' manager. Having also interviewed with the Indians and Milwaukee Brewers, Baylor has told associates he has little interest in the Orioles' vacancy.
Hargrove, who reiterated last night that he is "very interested," has notified the committee that he is scheduled to begin a vacation next Thursday. Little has not been scheduled for a second interview, nor have Orioles third base coach Sam Perlozzo and first base coach Marv Foley.
The nuances of the process slightly differ from last October's search for a general manager. Then, a screening committee of chief operating officer Joe Foss, John Angelos and chief counsel Russell Smouse interviewed five candidates.
All were then summoned to interview before Peter Angelos. Cincinnati Reds general manager Jim Bowden removed himself from consideration before returning to Baltimore. Wren, Chicago White Sox assistant GM Dan Evans, Atlanta Braves assistant GM Dean Taylor and Cleveland Indians assistant GM Dan O'Dowd met with the Orioles' chairman. Wren was named on Oct. 23, two days after the end of the World Series.
Angelos does not intend to meet with each of the nine managerial candidates. Indeed, he may meet with only one candidate if given a unanimous recommendation by the committee.
