ARLINGTON, Texas – The Texas Rangers have two members of their current staff interested in the managerial job for 2015, which doesn't come as a surprise.
Interim manager Tim Bogar, who is 12-6 since taking over for Ron Washington on Sept. 5, is considered the front-runner for the position, but don’t count out pitching coach Mike Maddux, who has also expressed interest.
Bogar is already looking ahead to next year and talked with center fielder Leonys Martin on Thursday about becoming the leadoff man in 2015. He would also like to shift Shin-Soo Choo from the leadoff spot down to No. 5 in the order.
Bogar could also be up for other jobs, including the Houston Astros', among others, if other teams part ways with their current managers.
“I’m not even thinking about it, that’s the Gods honest truth,” Bogar said before Thursday’s game with the Oakland Athletics. “My whole focus is to stay right here and to lead this team next year, and if that doesn’t happen we’ll adjust after that.”
Maddux is entering the final year of his contract with the Rangers, and while he said he loves being the pitching coach here, he’s open to interviewing for managerial jobs.
“If someone else wants to talk about a job like that, I would be open,” Maddux said. “I love it here. That’s the way baseball goes.”
GM Jon Daniels said he would like to get a manager hired inside of October.