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Guardians coach named finalist for MLB manager job

Posted on by Bobb
Guardians coach named finalist for MLB manager job

Cleveland Guardians had a very successful season under the leadership of a first-year coach Stephen Vogtwinning the 12th American League Central title in franchise history and reaching the American League Championship Series.

Shortly after Vogt was hired last year, Cleveland brought in several coaches to round out his first coaching staff as team captain.

One of those coaches has reportedly now attracted the attention of another team.

According to Miami Herald Sports senior writer Craig Misch, the Guardians’ bench coach. Craig Albernaz is a finalist of the competition Miami Marlins‘ Manager position.

Albernas, 41, became Cleveland’s reserve coach for the 2024 campaign after serving as Cleveland’s reserve coach. San Francisco Giants‘ Bullpen coach and catching instructor for the previous four seasons. He was also reportedly being considered for the Guardians managerial vacancy last season before the team eventually hired Vogt.

Albernas has two seasons of managerial experience in the Minor League ranks.

Baseball coach wearing a dark blue shirt, a dark blue hat and black sunglasses with an orange tint.

April 6, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz (55) walks to the bench after meeting with the umpires before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images / Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

In 2017, he won the New York-Pennsylvania Class A Short Season League championship as manager of the Hudson Valley Renegades, which was the Little League affiliate of the Hudson Valley Renegades. Tampa Bay Rays at that time. A year later, he won the 2018 Class A Midwest League championship as manager of the Bowling Green Hot Rods, also a Rays affiliate.

The Marlins are looking for their next manager after winning the 2023 National League Manager of the Year title. Skip Shoemaker resigned after 2024 campaign.

Whether Albernas remains in Cleveland or becomes Miami’s next captain remains to be seen. But reports of interest from the Marlins and the Guardians’ postseason success suggest he has made a lasting impact during his time in Cleveland.