Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto's search for the team's next manager has settled on two of his former Angels front office staffers, according to multiple reports. Question is: Who will it be?
Tim Bogar, who worked as a special assistant under Dipoto last season before Dipoto was fired from Los Angeles, has long been considered the popular choice to replace the fired Lloyd McClendon. But current Angels assistant general manager Scott Servais recently has emerged as a "strong front-runner" for the job, according to Fox Sports.
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USA Today Sports reported both Bogar and Servais are expected to take a job with the Mariners — one as manager, the other as bench coach.
Servais, a former catcher for the Astros, Cubs, Rockies and Giants, had worked under Dipoto since 2011 when both were hired by the Angels. When the Angels fired Dipoto this season, Servais, who has no managerial experience, interviewed to become his replacement before the team hired Billy Eppler.
Bogar's eight-year playing career ended in 2001 after stints with the Mets, Astros and Dodgers. He served as interim manager for the Rangers in 2014 after Texas fired Ron Washington midseason. The Rangers went 14-8 under Bogar, who joined Dipoto's staff after the season.
Dipoto reportedly first offered the Mariners' managerial position to former Red Sox catcher and team captain Jason Varitek, but was rebuffed.
