Hale ninth of 11 managerial prospects to interview
D-backs also create room on 40-man roster with number of moves
PHOENIX -- The 2014 season may have ended for the D-backs, but their top baseball executives are still keeping plenty busy.
The D-backs, looking for a new manager, interviewed A's bench coach Chip Hale on Tuesday, bringing the total number of candidates interviewed to nine. Of the list of confirmed candidates, it appears that only Dodgers third-base coach Lorenzo Bundy and Royals bench coach Don Wakamatsu have yet to interview.
Bundy's interview could take place soon, after the Dodgers were eliminated from postseason play by the Cardinals on Tuesday afternoon. It is not certain how the team will speak with Wakamatsu given that the Royals will be facing the Orioles in the American League Championship Series starting Friday.
The D-backs have said they wanted a relatively quick process, and indications are that they could make a decision by next week if not sooner.
The 11 candidates for the job are Sandy Alomar Jr., Jay Bell, Tim Bogar, Bundy, Andy Green, Hale, Joe McEwing, Phil Nevin, Jim Tracy, Wakamatsu and Turner Ward.
In addition to the Hale interview, the D-backs also made a number of roster moves.
Outfielders Roger Kieschnick and Alfredo Marte were claimed off waivers by the Angels, while pitcher Bo Schultz was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays.
The D-backs also outrighted outfielder Brett Jackson, left-hander Joe Paterson and catcher Bobby Wilson to Triple-A Reno, which removed them from the 40-man roster.
Arizona now has 34 players on its 40-man roster with four players on the 60-day disabled list. Players on the 60-day DL are not counted on the 40-man.