Cherington: Manager Search Will Move 'Swiftly and Diligently'
BOSTON (CBS) - Now that Ben Cherington is general manager of the Boston Red Sox, he has the duty of finding the team's next manager.
On Tuesday, Cherington said they have a short list of candidates, and the interviewing process will begin very soon.
"We're going to move swiftly and diligently," Cherington said from Fenway after being introduced as the team's 11th general manager. "We'll be methodical in our search. Tito wasn't hired until after Thanksgiving. We're pretty early in the offseason, but we'll get going on that search very soon."
"We've narrowed a list down to a probable first group of interviews," he said. "I'm not prepared to say who they are because we haven't asked permission on anyone yet, and we don't want to go into the process with any preconceived notions about who is a favorite or any bias in any directions."
While he remained mum on any potential candidates, Cherington did outline what he is looking for in a new manager.
"I want someone that has a strong voice; someone who cares about players, but also willing and ready to have tough conversation with them. I want someone who can collaborate with the front office and ownership, but is also willing to make an argument when he disagrees."
"I want someone who has a passion for the game, someone who can create a culture in the clubhouse to that allows everyone in the clubhouse - players, coaches, medical staff, support staff - to feel empowered to do their jobs and put the team in the best position to win and make sure we're more prepared than the other team every night that we go out there."
One thing that will not hold any candidates back from getting the job will be experience on the bench.
"Previous managerial experience would be a benefit, but we're not going to put ourselves in a box by requiring it," said Cherington. "We'll certainly consider those who have previous Major League managing experience, but also those who don't"
"We need the right person, and I don't think we can afford to put ourselves in any sort of box in our effort to find the right person," he added.
The Red Sox 7-20 September record, and players drinking in the clubhouse, will also come into play.
"Certainly we'll ask questions of candidates and ask them what they saw from afar and that will be an important part of the interview process," said Cherington.
