Sandy Alderson has yet to be introduced as Mets general manager, but a list of managerial candidates is starting to emerge. Here’s a look:
Contenders
Clint Hurdle
The Rangers hitting coach managed the Rockies for seven seasons, reaching the World Series in 2007. He was fired in 2009. Hurdle played for the Mets and managed in their farm system. Known for his enthusiasm.
John Gibbons
Former Toronto manager was hired by J.P. Ricciardi, who worked for Alderson in Oakland. He was a first-round pick of the Mets in 1980 (the same draft the Mets took another Alderson protege, Billy Beane). Interviewed this offseason with Pittsburgh and Seattle for their managerial spots.
DeMarlo Hale
Boston’s energetic bench coach under Terry Francona. Hale was a finalist for the Blue Jays managing job before John Farrell was named.
Bob Melvin
Hired last year by the Mets as a scout. Melvin reached the NLCS with Arizona in 2007 after also managing the Mariners. He has been involved in Milwaukee’s managerial search.
Terry Collins
The former Astros and Angels skipper, Collins was brought in as the Mets’ minor league field coordinator last year. He finished in second in each of his five full seasons as a manager.
Don Wakamatsu
Former Seattle manager was fired in August in the middle of a disappointing season. Was bench coach in Oakland in 2008 for Beane’s A’s. Is known as bright and hard working.
Chip Hale
The Mets’ third-base coach last season. Well thought of in the organization and managed in Arizona’s farm system.
Long shots
Joe Torre
The former Mets and Yankees manager expressed interest in the Mets job before it was vacant, but then said he wasn’t interested. Though few are better equipped to deal with New York, his high price tag is probably too big an obstacle.
Wally Backman
A fan and Wilpon favorite. Spent last year managing the Brooklyn Cyclones. Alderson does not like drama in a manager, and the fiery Backman is all about drama. Could the compromise be a spot on the coaching staff?
Bobby Valentine
The former Mets manager is an unlikely fit with Alderson, who does not like drama out of the dugout. He is still in the running for the Brewers managing job after being considered in Florida and Seattle.