http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/219012.htmlSpeculation already points to Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton, who concluded his 15-year career by playing in 1998 for the Royals, as a leading contender. Pendleton has long been viewed as a prime managerial candidate and has spent six years in training as a member of Bobby Cox’s staff.
There is already building public sentiment for the Royals to grant a serious interview to Frank White, who paid his dues by managing the last three seasons at Class AA Wichita after quick dismissals as a candidate when the club hired Tony Peña in 2002 and Bell in 2005.
George Brett would be hard to ignore if he expresses interest. Brett agreed in principle to become the Rockies’ manager in 2000 before Colorado general manager Dan O’Dowd pushed instead, ironically, to hire Bell.
Bench coach Billy Doran is likely to merit discussion. He served as the interim manager for the final 10 games last season when Bell left the club to undergo treatment for a cancerous growth in his throat.
Other names already popping up include former Florida manager Joe Girardi, who was the National League Manager of the Year in 2006; former Oakland manager Ken Macha, who took the A’s to two division titles in four years; and even Buck Showalter, a two-time selection as Manager of the Year.
