Phillies reportedly interviewed Phil Nevin, likely to do so with Gabe Kapler

By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor

While the Detroit Tigers introduced Ron Gardenhire as their next manager today, and the Washington Nationals elected not to renew the contract of Dusty Baker, the Philadelphia Phillies managerial search added some new candidates. 

According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, two new candidates have emerged in the team's managerial search: 

Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and others from the baseball operations department are interviewing external candidates this week. Sources told MLB.com that Giants third base coach Phil Nevin interviewed. It is believed that Dodgers player development director Gabe Kapler and Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway either interviewed or are scheduled to interview.

Kapler was a well-regarded utility-man that spent 12 years in the major leagues, including playing for the 2004 Boston Red Sox that broke an 86-year World Series curse. Kapler coached on Brad Ausmus' staff in Israel's failed attempt to qualify for the World Baseball Classic, and by most accounts, was the runner-up to his former teammate Dave Roberts for the Los Angeles Dodgers managerial job in late 2015. Kapler instead is working in the Dodgers' front-office, where he is the director of player development. The 42-year-old is well-rounded, making it easy to see why the Phillies either have or plan to interview him. 

Nevin had a 12-year big league career, hitting 208 home runs and making an All-Star Game appearance in 2001. He spent the six most successful seasons of his career with the San Diego Padres, playing under his current boss Bruce Bochy. Nevin just completed his first season as the San Francisco Giants third base coach, but has managed in independent leagues and for minor league affiliates of the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks. 

The 46-year-old was interviewed by the Houston Astros for their managerial vacancy in 2014, the Padres a year later and was also connected to the now-filled opening with the Tigers.

Callaway, 42, has been previously connected to the Phillies by various outlets. Last week, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the Phillies had asked for permission to interview Callaway and that he was expected to meet with Phillies' brass "in the near future."

Additionally, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported Thursday that the Phillies interviewed former Arizona Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale as well. 

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