Dodgers narrowing field of managerial candidates

The Dodgers are narrowing the field of candidates for their vacant managerial position.

The original field of nine managerial candidates appears to be down to three, consisting of farm director Gabe Kapler, former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black and Padres bench coach Dave Roberts, according to people familiar with the situation who spoke under the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of process. Former Angels outfielder Darin Erstad was also named a finalist, but withdrew from consideration to remain the head coach at the University of Nebraska.

“I love the Huskers,” Erstad explained in a text messsage to The Times.

The remaining finalists are expected to have their second round of interviews next week, the sources said. By then, the list could be down to three, one person said.

The first round of interviews concluded Wednesday night, when Chicago Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez met with front-office officials at baseball’s general managers meetings in Florida.

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The Dodgers also interviewed their bench coach, Tim Wallach, and their third base coach, Ron Roenicke; former World Series hero Kirk Gibson; and New York Mets bench coach Bob Geren.

Wallach could join the coaching staff of former Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, who is now at the helm with the Miami Marlins.

Black and Roberts aren’t under contract with any team and could be candidates to be on the Dodgers coaching staff if they aren’t selected as the manager. Kapler also figures to be a candidate to be on the Dodgers bench as part of the coaching staff.

Follow Dylan Hernandez on Twitter @dylanohernandez

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