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Breaking down Rays manager candidates

 
Craig Counsell celebrates after scoring the winning run for the Marlins in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series against the Indians. He also won a World Series with the 2001 D’backs.
Craig Counsell celebrates after scoring the winning run for the Marlins in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series against the Indians. He also won a World Series with the 2001 D’backs.
Published Nov. 7, 2014

Manny Acta

Current job: ESPN analyst

Age: 45

Bio: Has most big-league managing experience, 2½ seasons with Nationals (2007-09), nearly three with Indians (2010-12), with a 372-518 record. … Managed eight years and coached two in Astros farm system, acquainted with Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey. … Was big-league coach with Expos and Mets. … Played five seasons in Astros minor leagues. … Has dual U.S.-Dominican Republic citizenship.

Why he'd be good: Benefit of big-league managing experience, plus coaching. … Broader perspective of game from TV work. … Had success in minors. … AL experience.

Why he might not be: Losing record in all six seasons as manager. … Hasn't been on field since end of 2012 season.

Kevin Cash

Current job: Indians bullpen coach

Age: 36

Bio: Tampa native who starred at Gaither High and Florida State. … Played parts of eight seasons in majors, including 2005 with Devil Rays, and 12 overall, retiring after 2011. … Served as advance scout for Blue Jays in 2012, then two years on Indians staff.

Why he'd be good: Young, can relate to players, recent changes in game. … Rave reviews as Indians coach. … Said to have interviewed well in becoming finalist for Rangers job. … Has on-field perspective as catcher and scouting experience. … Local ties.

Why he might not be: Hasn't managed. … Might be too young, and with too little experience. … Could be a question of respect from older players.

Craig Counsell

Current job: Brewers special assistant

Age: 44

Bio: Joined Brewers front office in 2012 after retiring following 20-year playing career, 15 in majors. Notre Dame grad was part of two Series champs, 1997 Marlins (scoring winning run) and 2001 D'backs. … Has served as spring training instructor.

Why he'd be good: Well-respected, considered to have a smart baseball mind, open to analytics. … Made most of limited skills as a player, with leadership skills that should translate to managing. … Has front-office/scouting and player perspective

Raul Ibanez

Last job: Royals outfielder/DH

Age: 42

Bio: New York native just finished 19th season in majors as reserve on AL champion Royals team, spent 11 with Mariners. … Has 2,034 career hits. … Part of five previous postseason teams with Mariners, Phillies, Yankees.

Why he'd be good: Known for his professionalism and leadership throughout playing career. … Considered by several teams a future coach when he was ready, including Angels and Yankees. … Familiar with current players.

Why he might not be: Tough to go straight from player to manager, with no other perspective. … Potential issue if he's not totally convinced he's done playing.

Dave Martinez

Current job: Rays bench coach

Age: 50

Bio: Played 16 seasons in majors, including 2½ as original Devil Ray. … Joined Rays staff in 2007. … Lives in Pinellas County. … Interviewed previously for five manager jobs.

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Why he'd be good: Provides most continuity amid other changes — knows Rays system, staff and players and helped form valued clubhouse culture.

Why he might not be: Limited managing experience. … Might be too similar to ex-Rays manager Joe Maddon in some ways if fresh voice is wanted in clubhouse.

Charlie Montoyo

Current job: Rays Triple-A manager

Age: 49

Bio: Played briefly in majors, batting .400 in four games for 1993 Expos, 10 years in minors. … Has managed 18 years in Rays system, past eight at Durham with great success.

Why he'd be good: Familiar with most of players on team and Rays way of doing things. … Loyalty to organization. … Track record of success at Triple A.

Why he might not be: No experience as a big-league coach or manager. … Could be awkward with staff that he leap-frogged Dave Martinez.

Don Wakamatsu

Current job: Royals bench coach

Age: 51

Bio: Managed Mariners in 2009-10, going 127-147 before being fired in August. … Was first Asian-American manager in majors. … Spent part of one season playing in majors (1991 White Sox) while 12 overall. … Managed four seasons in minors. … Started big-league coaching career with Angels in 2001, has also coached for Rangers, A's, Blue Jays. … Special assignment scout for Yankees in 2013.

Why he'd be good: Has big-league managing experience as part of complete resume. … Considered sharp, open to analytics. … Many managers are better in their second opportunity.

Why he might not be: Had rough time in Seattle handling Ken Griffey Jr.'s final days and dealing with some other personalities. … Lack of opportunity since then may be telling.

Ron Wotus

Current job: Giants bench coach

Age: 53

Bio: Brief big-league time (1983-84 Pirates) during 11-year playing career. … Managed seven years in Giants minor-league system, spent last 17 seasons as bench coach. … Interviewed previously for Mariners, Pirates, Dodgers jobs.

Why he'd be good: Classic "baseball guy" with old-school philosophies but also considered open-minded enough to embrace defensive shifting. … Value as coach obvious as he has served three managers. … Key part of three Series championships.

Why he might not: Might have to adapt to broader use of analytics. … Not dynamic in personality, little experience in media aspects of job. … No AL experience.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer