Angels begin GM search

OAKLAND -- The Angels have begun their search for a general manager, a source told MLB.com on Monday night, though it's hard to narrow down their list of candidates at this point.

The Angels have some internal candidates in assistant GMs Matt Klentak and Scott Servais, and potentially director of pro scouting Hal Morris, but owner Arte Moreno and president John Carpino will be interviewing outside candidates as well.

The list of experienced candidates includes Ben Cherington (formerly of the Red Sox), Doug Melvin (Brewers), Frank Wren (Braves) and Kevin Towers (formerly of the D-backs, now a special assistant with the Reds). But potential first-year GMs like Billy Eppler (assistant GM with the Yankees), J.J. Picollo (Royals), Thad Levine (Rangers) and Mike Chernoff (Indians) could also be on the Angels' radar.

Midway through his fourth season on the job, Jerry Dipoto stepped down as the Angels' GM on July 1, prompting Bill Stoneman to take over in the interim. Stoneman is not expected to fill the role beyond this season. The Mariners, Brewers, Phillies and Red Sox also have GM openings now, providing the Angels with plenty of competition for candidates.