New York Mets: Mike Bell and Eduardo Perez Interviews

Mike Bell and Eduardo Perez are two of the lesser publicized candidates for the New York Mets managerial position, but have managed to get their foot in the door. Both candidates completed in person interviews on Monday and remain dark horse candidates for the job.

It would be first time either will manage in the big leagues, should they get the job. Each would also come from different situations. Bell has been the vice president of player development for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is one of the most respected executives in baseball and interviewed for the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers jobs last offseason.

He comes from a baseball family that has spanned three generations. His father and brother have both have managed in the big leagues, with David currently managing the Cincinnati Reds. Mike is a calmer personality, unlike his brother,  which is better suited for the chaos that occurs in Flushing.

Perez Back in the Big Leagues?

Much like Aaron Boone, Perez is looking to make the quantum leap from ESPN to the dugout. Like Bell, he comes from a baseball family, the son of Hall of Famer Tony Perez. Perez has ties to Brodie Van Wagenen through Mets special advisor and ESPN collegaue Jessica Mendoza. Van Wagenen is a fan of managers who connects with their players and Perez has done just that through his career playing, coaching and covering the game.

Perez spent 13 years in the big leagues and managed Team Columbia in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. His only major league coaching experience has come from spending time as a hitting coach and a bench coach.

The Mets list of candidates keeps growing and the amount with actual managerial experience is shrinking. The Mets should aim to hire someone with the much needed experience, after the Mickey Callaway hire was a failure.