UPDATE: The Mariners were believed to be in the running for Oakland Athletics assistant GM David Forst, but he's expected to become GM of the A's while Billy Beane takes over as team president, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
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There are a number of MLB clubs in search of a new general manager, but it seems as if the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners have been making the most progress. Boston Red Sox assistant GM Mike Hazen and Toronto Blue Jays special assistant Dana Brown are rumored to be the newest candidates.
Los Angeles, who lost GM Jerry Dipoto in July when he resigned due to differences with manager Mike Scioscia, is perhaps the furthest along of any team in their search to fill the vacancy. Here's a breakdown of their efforts:
- ESPN Insider Buster Olney reported that Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava interviewed with the Angels on Tuesday.
- Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reported that Red Sox assistant GM Mike Hazen will interview with the Angels, and notes it "probably" happened on Tuesday.
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that Indians VP of player personnel Ross Atkins interviewed with the Angels on Tuesday.
- George A. King III of the New York Post reported that Angels' owner Arte Moreno and club president John Carpino were scheduled to meet with Yankees assistant GM Billy Eppler on Monday night in New York.
It was also reported weeks ago that the Angels began interviewing internal candidates for the position, including assistant GMs Matt Klentak and Scott Servais.
Can confirm #Angels have interviewed Billy Eppler, Tony LaCava, Ross Atkins, Mike Hazen, Hal Morris, Matt Klentak, Scott Servais for GM job.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 16, 2015
As for the Mariners, their search hasn't been as extensive as the Angels', but they're making progress ever since firing Jack Zduriencik in late August. Here's a breakdown of their recent endeavors:
- The latest name to slip into the Mariners' search is Blue Jays special assistant Dana Brown, who plans to interview with the team on Wednesday, according to Olney.
- Both Dipoto and Eppler are expected to interview for the position soon.
- Previous veteran GMs Dan O'Dowd (Rockies) and Dan Jennings (Marlins) have been linked to the job and could interview soon depending on if O'Dowd wants to come back to the MLB and if Jennings rejects his offer to return as Marlins' GM.
Neither club is in any rush to make a hire and there's a chance both will interview more candidates once the season ends because other clubs may not be granting permission to speak with their front office personnel since the season is still ongoing.
Stay tuned for more updates in the coming days/weeks.
