SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers are holding their annual organizational meetings this week with the front office, professional scouts and some Minor League officials.
They are doing so without a manager in place and have no plans to hire one anytime soon. The Rangers have interviewed eight candidates so far and general manager Jon Daniels said the club is in no rush to make a final decision.
"When we started, we said we didn't necessarily have a deadline," Daniels said. "We are continuing to move along with club business. We would love to have the manager in place sooner than later to participate in some of the discussions that are going on right now. But more important than timing is getting the selection right."
Among those interviewed in person were interim manager Don Wakamatsu, farm director Jayce Tingler, Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde, Phillies third base coach Dusty Wathan and Rays field coordinator Rocco Baldelli.
The Rangers interviewed Giants farm director David Bell, but he has been hired by the Reds. Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi interviewed, but is no longer under consideration. Astros bench coach Joe Espada interviewed by phone while his team was in the postseason, which may put him at a disadvantage to those who interviewed in person.
The Rangers also may not be done interviewing candidates.
"There have been a few others we have been in contact with [by phone]," Daniels said. "I would say all the candidates have impressed, some for different reasons. While we may very well hire one of the candidates we spoke with, we are also continuing to look at who is out there. We may add some candidates to the mix."
There are two teams getting ready to play in the World Series, and that may impact the Rangers' thinking. Dodgers third base coach Chris Woodward has been mentioned as a legitimate future managerial candidate within the industry.
"Both clubs involved, I have spoken to for different reasons," Daniels said. "We're trying to stay out of their way. Everybody involved understands their priority is the World Series, but also if an individual has an opportunity for a job like a big league manager, I think that [their club] would be flexible."
The Angels completed their search by hiring former Tigers manager Brad Ausmus. The Twins, Blue Jays and Orioles are still looking along with the Rangers. There is a strong possibility the Rangers' search will continue beyond the World Series and into November.
"Listen, there is a good chance we have already interviewed or met with our eventual manager," Daniels said. "But we are also open to expanding. We don't have any limitation from a timeline. We very well may hire somebody we have already spoken to; we are just being diligent."
Daniels speaks with Beltre
Daniels said he has stayed in touch with third baseman Adrian Beltre since the end of the season. Beltre has not made a decision about retirement yet and Daniels said he wasn't expecting one this soon.
"I said I'm not looking to pressure him into any decisions," Daniels said. "And to be fair, he doesn't know what he is deciding between. We haven't presented to him what our roster is going to look like and what the exact role would be. Just maintaining contact."

Beltre is a free agent after the season. Daniels said out of respect to Beltre, the Rangers won't make him a qualifying offer and tie his free agency to compensation.
"With the nature of the relationship and the respect, I think that's the right thing to do," Daniels said.
Rangers beat:
• Daniels said he talked to members of the Rangers' coaching staff last week to update them on the managerial search and told them nothing has changed. The Rangers will not make a final decision on their coaches until after a manager is hired.
• The Rangers have two openings for hitting coaches. Daniels said the organization will likely wait there until a manager is hired. But if the top candidates start talking to other teams, the Rangers may have to start the process before the manager is hired.
• Tingler served as the Rangers' farm director this past season, but is not attending the organizational meetings, since he is still a candidate to be the manager.
"Too awkward," Daniels said. "I just felt like it was better not to. Normally he would be here."