Rays' Martinez at Top of White Sox Manager List

By Chuck Sudo in News on Oct 6, 2011 1:34PM

While the Cubs wait to hear if the Boston Red Sox will allow their general manager, Theo Epstein, to speak with the them, the White Sox have identified Tampa Bay rays bench coach Dave Martinez as their top candidate to replace Ozzie Guillen as manager.

Martinez is expected to interview for the job with White Sox GM Kenny Williams in the next two days. As bench coach for Rays manager Joe Maddon (regarded as one of the best managers in the game for helping develop a consistent winning team with tight financial constraints) Martinez could be the type of hire Williams and owner Jerry Reinsdorf are looking for - one who has never managed before but comes with high praise from a proven manager.

You know, just like Ozzie Guillen eight years ago.

Martinez also may be suited to handling Chicago media, having played on both sides of town during his playing career. But Guillen family waterboy Joe Cowley is still hellbent on laying the blame for the 2011 Sox season at Williams' feet, instead of recognizing it was a team-wide failure. Already, Cowley has said "good luck" to Martinez filling Guillen's footprint while maintaining his message Williams has "gone Hollywood."

If Martinez doesn't fit the White Sox plans, he could find himself wearing a different colored pair of socks. Boston is also said to be interested in his services for their vacant manager position.

Another possible White Sox managerial candidate, former Boston skipper Terry Francona, may no longer be in the cards. Francona will be replacing Tim McCarver for the beginning of the ALCS on Fox, meaning at least one-half of that broadcast team may be listenable.