Do you think Orioles waited too long to start managerial search? | MAILBAG

Question: If Tony Mansolino was not going to shed the interim label until the offseason (if ever), why do you think the Orioles waited to work on this search until now when the competition for managerial candidates is far greater than it was all summer long?  Why does it seem like we’re always a step behind other organizations?  This one can’t be blamed on not wanting to negotiate with Scott Boras. From: Gary Banuca

Answer: Gary, I wouldn’t be so certain that the Orioles waited until last week to begin working on managerial candidates. Mike Elias had decided that Mansolino was going to be the manager for the balance of the season, and it’s not a surprise that the Orioles are going to consider other candidates.

I’m sure that Elias had already compiled a list of possible contenders but wasn’t going to announce that he was doing that during the season.

If he wanted to interview managerial candidates during the season, he could only interview those who were not currently working for another major league team, and that would prevent him from talking to many people that he would be interested in.

Since he made the announcement about the search last Monday, five additional teams — Atlanta, the Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota, San Francisco and Texas — had managerial openings.

The Braves didn’t start their managerial search until a few days after Brian Snitker decided he was going to retire. The only team that moved quickly was Texas and that’s because Skip Schumaker was already in their organization and they knew other teams, including the Orioles, were interested.

Elias works quietly and has probably already spoken with candidates. You might not see an announcement until after the World Series in case he wants to interview candidates from postseason teams.

Question: What do you think about these possible candidates to manage the Orioles — Manny Acta, Brad Ausmus, Joe Maddon, Don Mattingly and Bob Melvin? From: Webster Owen, Winter Park, Florida

Answer: Webster, Manny Acta was interviewed by Elias for the job in 2018 when the Orioles hired Brandon Hyde. He’s currently a coach with Seattle, so he could be a candidate. Ausmus, Mattingly and Melvin have each managed multiple teams and could be considered, too. I would be surprised if Maddon were to be a candidate with the Orioles. I don’t think his style and Elias’ would be a match.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.