KNBR
The manager search is entering its final stages, with a decision expected this week.
For the remaining candidates, the last boss to conquer is the new boss.
Newly minted Giants general manager Scott Harris is getting a chance to contribute to the process, as the Giants have connected him with those still in the hunt so he can give his feedback to Farhan Zaidi.
The final three reported candidates are Astros bench coach Joe Espada, former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler and Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro. Whoever it will be will have to get the approval of Zaidi’s new No. 2.
Harris will have “significant input into the final decision,” Zaidi said Monday at Oracle Park at Harris’ introductory news conference, adding, “We still expect to get through it very soon.”
The Giants’ new power structure is nearly complete, with the front-facing manager the last piece. Harris figures to already have a background with two candidates; the Cubs brought Espada in for multiple interviews and reportedly talked with Kapler about the job that eventually went to David Ross. Espada and Kapler appear to be the front-runners to succeed Bruce Bochy.
Hensley Meulens will not get the job or be back with the franchise with whom he has spent the past 10 seasons. The incumbent bench coach is joining the Marlins, MLB Network reported, though his final job is still being worked out.