Long-time big leaguer Raul Ibanez has popped up from time to time as a managerial candidate. But he has thus far declined requests to interview and is doing so again during the current hiring cycle, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Ibanez has come up most recently as a potential Giants target, with Shaikin noting the Cubs as another possible team with interest. But the 47-year-old says it simply “is not the right time” to consider such a committing position.
It seems that Ibanez remains content for the time being continuing to work in the Dodgers front office as a special assistant. That position has allowed him to continue living and working primarily from his home in Miami.
That takes one potentially interesting, fresh managerial candidate out of the picture for the numerous clubs seeking new skippers. Ibanez will surely once again show up on the managerial rumor circuit if and when he gives word that he’d like to take on such a role.