Guardians have begun manager interview process

The Cleveland Guardians are apparently not interested in wasting any time when it comes to finding the successor to Terry Francona. The team has reportedly begun the interview process, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. 

It is crucial that the Guardians cast a wide net in their interview process and not limit themselves to exclusively interviewing internal candidates. While many fans want to see the team go with fan-favorite Sandy Alomar Jr., there is no indication that this is a position he would be interested in. Alomar Jr. turned down the opportunity to interview for a bench coach position in 2015 with the Chicago White Sox as he did not want to be seen as the possible replacement for Robin Ventura, Chicago's manager at the time. Additionally, Guardians broadcaster Matt Underwood recently stated that he does not expect Alomar to succeed Francona as Cleveland's manager. 

One candidate that has been identified is San Francisco Giants coach Craig Albernaz. It was reported by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle on Sunday that he would be interviewing to possibly succeed Francona in Cleveland. Albernaz has spent the past four seasons on former Giants manager Gabe Kapler's staff. It is also noted that Albernaz could interview for the vacant manager position in San Francisco.

This is an organization that is at a very crucial part of its competitive cycle. While the team was able to make the postseason in 2022, the team struggled offensively this past year, stumbling to a 76-86 record and finishing 11 games behind American League Central division champion Minnesota Twins. Finding a way to get back to the postseason in 2023 is crucial, as there are only so many years of elite play left in the career of Jose Ramirez. The Guardians have to capitalize while they have one of the best players in baseball on an extremely team-friendly contract.

The Guardians must properly evaluate any and all candidates to take over as their next manager but at the same time, they cannot afford to let a possible option take a position elsewhere.