KC Star: Royals manager search moves to next phase...

tk13 · 05-21-2005, 01:59 AM

....with no Frank White on the list.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11701634.htm

Baird plans short list

By BOB DUTTON and JEFF PASSAN The Kansas City Star

Phase II of the Royals' managerial search is under way with a short list that includes Art Howe and current interim skipper Bob Schaefer as verified candidates.

General manager Allard Baird confirmed Friday that he is beginning to contact clubs to gain permission to interview prospective candidates.

Baird said everyone on the list has previous major-league managing experience. That would eliminate Class AA Wichita manager Frank White, one of the more popular players in franchise history.

Howe confirmed preliminary discussions with Baird that established mutual interest and plans for a formal interview.

“They have contacted me,” said Howe, who was fired last September by the New York Mets. “I haven't set up a time to come in. In fairness to the other candidates, I'd rather not say anything more than that I'm delighted.”

Baird said the search could be expanded to include those without big-league managing experience if the short list fails to provide a suitable candidate after the interview process.

Howe, 58, remains under contract to the Mets through 2006 under terms of a four-year, $4.9 million deal signed before the 2003 season.

Baird declined to specify how many candidates the list contains beyond saying it is a “short list.” He identified only one candidate — Schaefer.

“I sat down with (club president) Dan Glass and gave him the list,” Baird said from California, where he spent Friday scouting prospective candidates for the upcoming amateur draft.

“Dan and I talked about every candidate in detail. As soon as we can, we'll start the interview process.”

Baird said all candidates meet the club's desired profile, which includes experience in developing young players in addition to having served as a big-league manager.

Those who fit that profile in addition to Howe and Schaefer include Gene Lamont, Jimy Williams, Jerry Narron and Terry Collins. Howe, Lamont and Williams have guided teams into the postseason.

Howe has a 1,129-1,137 record in 14 seasons as manager of the Houston Astros, Oakland A's and Mets. He is currently in Sioux City, Iowa, following his son, Matt, who plays for the Sioux City Explorers of the Northern League.

“I've been keeping tabs on the team since Tony (Peña) resigned,” Howe said, “trying to get familiar with a lot of the young guys especially. The Royals are a highly respected organization throughout baseball. To be even considered, I'm flattered.”

Lamont, 58, said he expects to be contacted and hopes to return to the Royals, where he worked from 1978 to 1985 in a variety of minor-league positions.

“I'm definitely interested,” he said. “I think they know that. I haven't heard from them yet.”

Lamont currently serves as manager at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Phillies' organization. He compiled a 553-562 record in eight seasons as manager of the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates.

“If you can get the job done (in Kansas City),” he said, “it would be as satisfying as anything you can do managing.

“It's not an easy job. No one said that. There would be some frustrating times. But they're things you accept, stay positive and hope you can develop players. What you shoot for is trying to be like Minnesota.”

Baird and Glass plan to conduct joint face-to-face interviews with each candidate, with assistant general manager Muzzy Jackson doing a follow-up phone interview.

“The interview will probably count only about 10 to 20 percent of the process,” Baird said. “Some guys interview better than other guys. But all of these guys have a track record. There are all sorts of people we can contact to learn more about each candidate.

“That research is still ongoing and is really of greater importance.”

Baird reiterated that no timetable exists for hiring a permanent replacement for Peña, who resigned after the May 10 game in Toronto.

“That's really secondary to getting the right guy,” Baird said. “It all depends on when we're able to complete the interview process. There is no urgency because we are very comfortable with Bob Schaefer running the club.”

The Royals are 4-5 under Schaefer.

05-21-2005, 01:59 AM	Topic Starter
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1442500	KC Star: Royals manager search moves to next phase... ....with no Frank White on the list. http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11701634.htm Baird plans short list By BOB DUTTON and JEFF PASSAN The Kansas City Star Phase II of the Royals' managerial search is under way with a short list that includes Art Howe and current interim skipper Bob Schaefer as verified candidates. General manager Allard Baird confirmed Friday that he is beginning to contact clubs to gain permission to interview prospective candidates. Baird said everyone on the list has previous major-league managing experience. That would eliminate Class AA Wichita manager Frank White, one of the more popular players in franchise history. Howe confirmed preliminary discussions with Baird that established mutual interest and plans for a formal interview. “They have contacted me,” said Howe, who was fired last September by the New York Mets. “I haven't set up a time to come in. In fairness to the other candidates, I'd rather not say anything more than that I'm delighted.” Baird said the search could be expanded to include those without big-league managing experience if the short list fails to provide a suitable candidate after the interview process. Howe, 58, remains under contract to the Mets through 2006 under terms of a four-year, $4.9 million deal signed before the 2003 season. Baird declined to specify how many candidates the list contains beyond saying it is a “short list.” He identified only one candidate — Schaefer. “I sat down with (club president) Dan Glass and gave him the list,” Baird said from California, where he spent Friday scouting prospective candidates for the upcoming amateur draft. “Dan and I talked about every candidate in detail. As soon as we can, we'll start the interview process.” Baird said all candidates meet the club's desired profile, which includes experience in developing young players in addition to having served as a big-league manager. Those who fit that profile in addition to Howe and Schaefer include Gene Lamont, Jimy Williams, Jerry Narron and Terry Collins. Howe, Lamont and Williams have guided teams into the postseason. Howe has a 1,129-1,137 record in 14 seasons as manager of the Houston Astros, Oakland A's and Mets. He is currently in Sioux City, Iowa, following his son, Matt, who plays for the Sioux City Explorers of the Northern League. “I've been keeping tabs on the team since Tony (Peña) resigned,” Howe said, “trying to get familiar with a lot of the young guys especially. The Royals are a highly respected organization throughout baseball. To be even considered, I'm flattered.” Lamont, 58, said he expects to be contacted and hopes to return to the Royals, where he worked from 1978 to 1985 in a variety of minor-league positions. “I'm definitely interested,” he said. “I think they know that. I haven't heard from them yet.” Lamont currently serves as manager at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Phillies' organization. He compiled a 553-562 record in eight seasons as manager of the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. “If you can get the job done (in Kansas City),” he said, “it would be as satisfying as anything you can do managing. “It's not an easy job. No one said that. There would be some frustrating times. But they're things you accept, stay positive and hope you can develop players. What you shoot for is trying to be like Minnesota.” Baird and Glass plan to conduct joint face-to-face interviews with each candidate, with assistant general manager Muzzy Jackson doing a follow-up phone interview. “The interview will probably count only about 10 to 20 percent of the process,” Baird said. “Some guys interview better than other guys. But all of these guys have a track record. There are all sorts of people we can contact to learn more about each candidate. “That research is still ongoing and is really of greater importance.” Baird reiterated that no timetable exists for hiring a permanent replacement for Peña, who resigned after the May 10 game in Toronto. “That's really secondary to getting the right guy,” Baird said. “It all depends on when we're able to complete the interview process. There is no urgency because we are very comfortable with Bob Schaefer running the club.” The Royals are 4-5 under Schaefer.
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