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MARTINEZ SEEKS CUBS GIG

The Rays bench coach will interview in Chicago this week.
 
Published Oct. 15, 2013|Updated Oct. 15, 2013

Dave Martinez knows what it's like to play for the Cubs. And that makes the Rays bench coach even more excited about the opportunity to interview for the Cubs' manager's job.

"I really am. I love Chicago. I love Wrigley Field," Martinez said. "It would be tremendous. ... I'd love to be part of winning a championship in Chicago."

Martinez, 49, started his major-league career playing for the Cubs from 1986-88 and returned briefly in 2000. He has been a Rays coach for six seasons.

"Every year that I have under my belt, I'm a lot more confident and a lot more prepared for the challenges of being a manager," Martinez said.

Martinez has previously interviewed for manager's jobs with the Indians, Blue Jays and Astros and was said to be a finalist last offseason for the Houston job that went to Bo Porter. His interview in Chicago will take place this week; he could be a candidate for current openings with the Mariners, Reds and Nationals. The Cubs on Monday interviewed Padres bench coach Rick Renteria.

Also, catcher Jose Lobaton today will present a $5,000 check from the Rays Baseball Foundation and deliver ice cream to The Children's Home in Tampa, the donation to the charity of his choice the result of his ALDS Game 3 home run into the rays tank. The team also donated $5,000 to the Florida Aquarium, which maintains the tank.