The Phillies appear to be getting closer to naming a new general manager. As they do so, the names of even more candidates for the position have emerged. One of them has strong ties to Phillies president Andy MacPhail. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, a Philadelphia-area resident, has been keeping strong tabs on the general manager search and came up with a couple names.
First, Crasnick reported that the Phillies are getting close:
The #Phillies are down to 3 GM candidates and a decision is expected soon, says industry source. Team org meetings start Monday.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) October 23, 2015
While MacPhail has said that the team will not necessarily need to have a general manager by the meetings, that would be an ideal situation.
Crasnick also identified two more candidates:
Add #rays executive Chaim Bloom to the list of people who've interviewed for #Phillies GM job. MLB source confirms.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) October 23, 2015
Just heard Jim Hendry also interviewed with Andy MacPhail for #phillies GM job. Possibility to land there in advisor role.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) October 23, 2015
Hendry and MacPhail have a long history together. While MacPhail was president of the Chicago Cubs, he hired Hendry to serve as his general manager prior to the 2002 season.
Bloom is an interesting choice. A Philadelphia native, Bloom attended Yale University and graduated with a degree in Latin. He is currently Vice President of player personnel for the Tampa Bay Rays. Bloom was a candidate for the open Brewers general manager position, filled just this past September.
UPDATE: Bloom is a finalist, Crasnick reports:
Chaim Bloom of #Rays, a Philly native, is a finalist for #Phillies GM job, MLB source confirms.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) October 23, 2015
