The Los Angeles Dodgers put their managerial search on the back burner as they spent the better part of Friday tending to roster matters.
Prior to the 2 p.m. PT deadline to do so, Los Angeles extended qualifying offers to Brett Anderson, Zack Greinke and Howie Kendrick. Additionally, the Dodgers declined club options on Bronson Arroyo, Joel Peralta and Chase Utley.
Lastly, outfielders Chris Heisey and Justin Ruggiano rejected their respective outright assignments to Triple-A Oklahoma City and both became free agents.
As for the Dodgers’ search for Don Mattingly’s replacement, it appears Chicago Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez is set to formally enter the picture.
According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, Martinez is scheduled to interview with the Dodgers:
Cubs bench coach Davey Martinez is expected to interview with the Dodgers next week for their managerial vacancy, putting him in position to be the only member of Joe Maddon’s staff not back next year.
Prior to joining Cubs manager Joe Maddon in Chicago, Martinez was on Maddon’s staff (also as bench coach) for seven years in Tampa Bay, during which Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was the Rays’ general manager.
Friedman’s long history with Martinez placed the coach among the perceived early favorites to get hired in Los Angeles.
Maddon said in October he believed Martinez was ready to assume managerial duties, adding a team will get lucky to add the 51 year old to their organization.
The Dodgers’ extensive search is believed to include over 10 candidates, with San Diego Padres bench coach Dave Roberts said to be in the lead after an impressive interview. The Dodgers may be interested in hiring Roberts in a different capacity should he not be named manager.
The Dodgers have not commented publicly on their search. Friedman said during an Oct. 22 press conference he would cast a wide net and hoped to have a manager in place prior to the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn. beginning on Dec. 7.
