The Los Angeles Dodgers have largely managed to keep a consistent coaching staff since hiring Dave Roberts as manager prior to the 2016 season. Notable departures include Chris Woodward being hired by the Texas Rangers as manager and Rick Honeycutt transitioning into a new role.
Meanwhile, bench coach Bob Geren and first base coach George Lombard have remained with the Dodgers since joining Roberts’ staff. That’s despite Geren reportedly being the subject of managerial interest over the past two years.
Now as the Dodgers are set to begin a National League Division Series matchup against the San Diego Padres, another member of their coaching staff is said to be drawing interest for a manger position.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Detroit Tigers wish to interview Lombard for their opening:
Sources: #Tigers interested in speaking with #Dodgers first base coach George Lombard for their managerial vacancy, but an interview is not scheduled yet, partially because Lombard is in the Arlington bubble. Lombard played for the Tigers in 2002. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 5, 2020
The Tigers find themselves seeking a new manager in the wake of Ron Gardenhire retiring Sept. 19 with eight games remaining in the season. Bench coach Lloyd McClendon assumed the interim manager tag and is believed to be among the candidates the Tigers are considering.
So too are Will Venable, Vance Wilson, Don Kelly, Pedro Grifol and Mike Redmond, among others, per reports. Tigers general manager Al Avila also said A.J. Hinch and Alex Cora are on his list of candidates as well.
Woodward welcomes Roberts
With the Dodgers in the NLDS and MLB opting for bubbles to complete the remainder of the postseason, the team is due to play at Globe Life Field for however long they remain in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics and Houston Astors are playing the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium.
“It is odd. I don’t know who cleaned out my office. I got a text from Mark Kotsay who is their (Oakland Athletics) quality assurance coach and a good friend of mine,” Roberts said. “I just told him lead Bob to my wine. I’ve got high-end liquors in there, some whiskeys, I’ve got some cigars. What’s mine is theirs. I didn’t lock it up.
“I don’t know if our clubhouse staff did. They can help themselves to whatever they want. As far as in Woody’s office, nothing against my office at Dodger Stadium, but I feel like George Jefferson. I’ve moved on up. This office is unbelievable, this facility is unbelievable, and Woody left me a nice note and some family pictures.”
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