The Los Angeles Dodgers parted ways with former manager Don Mattingly last week and are already conducting an overarching search to find his successor. They've interviewed a number of candidates, but rumors suggest more meetings are on the way and that there may also be a new frontrunner.
Last week it was reported that Dodgers farm director Gabe Kapler was the favorite for the job, but San Diego Padres bench coach Dave Roberts impressed in his interview and has emerged as a top candidate.
"Roberts made a favorable impression in his interview with the Dodgers, sources say," according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "The team's progressive legacy, starting with the promotion of Jackie Robinson as the majors' first African-American player in 1947, is undeniable."
Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times said Roberts "aced the interview, and is now apparently the favorite."
Additionally, with the lack of minority figures in the sport both in dugouts and front offices, the Dodgers could make history and hire Roberts as the franchise's first minority manager. The 43-year-old is an African-American and Japanese-American.
Roberts is almost guaranteed to leave the Padres after having been passed up for their vacant manager position in favor of Andy Green.
As for other candidates set to interview for the job, Rosenthal also reported that the team plans to meet with New York Mets bench coach Bob Geren. The 54-year-old previously served as the manager of the Oakland Athletics from 2007-2011. He went 334-376 in those five years and never made the postseason, but he's been a key figure with the Mets ever since the A's fired him in the middle of 2011.
And lastly, the Dodgers plan to interview their 1988 World Series hero, Kirk Gibson, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden. Gibson played three seasons with Los Angeles from 1988-1990 and won the NL MVP during the '88 season and hit a walk-off home run in Game 1 of the '88 World Series to propel the Dodgers to their last championship.
Gibson, who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, previously managed the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010-2014 and won NL Manager of the Year in 2011 after guiding the club to an NL West title with a 94-68 record. However, in the three seasons that followed, the D-Backs didn't record a winning record and ranked at the bottom of the MLB in both offense and pitching in 2014.
Stay tuned for updates in the Dodgers' search for a new manager.
