The Baltimore Orioles continue their search for a hitting coach to replace the departed Jim Presley, who was reassigned within the Baltimore Orioles organization. It is not the first time, but former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is linked to the job once again.
According to Roch Kubakto of MASN, Manuel remains a person of interest:
The Orioles are still targeting Charlie Manuel in their search for a new hitting coach, according to sources, and they should know later this week whether he's willing to fill the position.
The Phillies would need to give their permission for the Orioles to conduct a formal interview with Manuel and he'd need to demonstrate that he wants the job. The first step shouldn't be an issue, but Manuel has been reluctant to throw his hat into the ring.
Manuel initially declined the Orioles' offer, which came after they reassigned Jim Presley within the organization last month, but he remains atop their list of candidates.
Previously, Manuel, former Phillies first baseman Jim Thome, and former Phillies outfielder Raul Ibañez all declined the chance to interview for the job.
It remains to be seen whether Manuel, at 70 years old, would want the grind of being a hitting coach in the major leagues. Manuel is keeping himself busy holding some hitting clinics in Florida and remains part of the Phillies organization. Manuel's Spring Training project with the Phillies will be to "fix" Jeff Francoeur's swing.
