Multiple media reports indicate Boston Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo is set for his second interview for the Twins managerial job.
According to 1500 ESPN’s Derek Wetmore, Lovullo’s interview will take place outside of the Twin Cities on Monday.
He reportedly impressed the Twins during his first interview with the team.
The Twins search to replace former manager Ron Gardenhire is entering its fifth week. Gardenhire was fired after the season, his 13th and final season managing the team.
The Pioneer Press says Lovullo is the third known candidate to have a second interview with the Twins. Paul Molitor and Doug Mientkiewicz are the others.
As a player, Lovullo was a utility infielder for parts of eight big-league seasons with seven different teams.
He has been a coach under John Farrell for the past four seasons – two as the first base coach of the Toronto Blue Jays and the last two years as the bench coach with the Red Sox.
According to the Pioneer Press, Lovullo is considered to be a leading proponent of modern analytics. Lovullo has been busy during the offseason; he also interviewed for managerial jobs with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.
The wildcard in the Twins’ managerial search continues to be former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon, who opted-out of his contract with the Rays on Friday. He is widely regarded as one of the best managers in baseball and the Twins are said to be interested in talking to him.
The Twins and Rays are the only teams without a manager, but most experts don’t believe Maddon will end up in Minnesota.
Over the weekend, Twins General Manager Terry Ryan wouldn’t confirm his interest in Maddon to the Star Tribune, but said he would have to do his due diligence.
Maddon is interested in talking with the Twins.
