Houston Astros start interviewing managerial candidates

Jeff Luhnow (AP Photo)

On Wednesday, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported the Houston Astros have already started talking to candidates on the phone about their vacancy at manager. According to the report, the Astros have reached out to at least five guys: Angels bench coach Dino Ebel, Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo, Rays bench coach Dave Martinez, and former managers A.J. Hinch and Don Wakamatsu.

Now, it appears current interim manager Tom Lawless will be next on the list. He told MLB.com that he will interview with general manager Jeff Luhnow on Saturday in New York for the full-time managerial position. Lawless has been managing the Astros since Bo Porter was dismissed and is now 10-11 since taking over September 1st.

Earlier in the week, The Houston Chronicle reported the Astros were doing research on A’s coach Chip Hale. Other names being mentioned are Manny Acta, Tim Bogar, Mike Maddux, Sandy Alomar Jr., and Jose Oquendo. There was also a report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale about the Astros wanting to talk to Phil Nevin.

Check out our slideshow to learn more about each candidate and let us know who you like the most.