Mattingly reportedly in line to succeed Torre in L.A.
Los Angeles Dodgers bench coach Don Mattingly is a candidate to become the Cleveland Indians' manager in 2010. He might already have a better offer for 2011 from his current employer.
SI.com reports that Mattingly is the heir apparent to Joe Torre in L.A. Torre says he wants to manage one more season and finish his three-year contract. That would seem to set things up nicely for Mattingly, who according to SI has had Torre's endorsement for years.
Mattingly tried to deflect the talk, saying he was considered Torre's successor when the two were with the New York Yankees. "I hear different things, but I've been through that," he told SI.com.
Dodgers first baseman Jim Thome(notes) is a Mattingly supporter. He believes Donnie Baseball is the right man to take over for Torre. "No question about that," Thome tells SI.com. "He's basically an icon to the game. Everyone loves Don Mattingly—his work ethic, his knowledge, his demeanor. To me it's a no-brainer. Any organization would be lucky to have him. Let's face it, he's an old-school guy. Certain guys have a presence, and he's one of those guys."
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