Former SF Giants coach interviews for Marlins managerial vacancy, considered a top candidate

Former SF Giants bullpen and catching coach Craig Albernaz could be on the move this winter. He recently interviewed for the Miami Marlins managerial vacancy and is considered one of the top candidates according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Former SF Giants coach interviews for Marlins managerial vacancy, considered a top candidate

Jackson also confirms that the Marlins have interviewed Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough. Miami is in the process of interviewing candidates and will bring back the finalists for in-person interviews.

In addition to Albernez and McCullough, former Marlins bench coach Luis Urueta and Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard have been linked to the vacancy as well.

Albernaz just completed his first season as the bench coach for the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians made it to the ALCS before being eliminated by the New York Yankees in five games. Nevertheless, it was a very promising year for the club led by Stephen Vogt in his first year on the job.

Interestingly, Vogt also interviewed for the Giants' managerial vacancy last winter. Of course, that job went to veteran skipper Bob Melvin. On the other hand, Albernaz interviewed for the Guardians manager gig that eventually went to Vogt.

At times, the interview process can be used as a way to evaluate coaching talent for a prospective manager. That turned out to be the case for Albernaz and the Guardians. He served as the Giants' bullpen and catching coach for four seasons before earning a promotion to become Cleveland's bench coach.

Albernaz was often recognized for his work with the Giants' catchers, especially as it came to improving pitch framing. Evidently, he continues to be recognized for his work with the Guardians if he is getting a chance to interview for a manager job.

There are still several coaches in the mix. That said, Albernaz has some strong connections to the Marlins organization. He and team president of baseball operations Peter Bendix both crossed paths when they working for the Tampa Bay Rays organization in the late 2010's.

Of course, Gabe Kapler is now working as an assistant general manager as well for the Marlins. He brought on Albernaz to his coaching staff when he became manager of the Giants before the 2020 season. There are probably not too many people who know about Albernaz's impact better than Kapler.

Time will tell if these connections lead to yet another promotion for Albernaz. If not, there is a good chance that he will become a manager in the near future for another organization.