Arizona Diamondbacks – Eddie Perez Drawing Managerial Interest
By Joseph Jacquez
On Sunday, the Arizona Diamondbacks hired a new general manager and the quest begins for a new field manager
One part of the process is complete. Now, the Diamondbacks seek a field manager, and newly named general manager Mike Hazen began the search.
On Saturday, David O’Brien of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution tweeted that the Diamondbacks are interested in Atlanta Braves’ first-base coach Eddie Perez. It is unknown whether or not Hazen will include Perez on his short list of managerial candidates.
However, in January of this year, Perez gained managerial experience. He led the Venezuelan national team to a winter-league title. With that victory, the team secured a spot in the Carrabien Series. The Tigres de Aragua rode a 4-1 record into the title game. In the final contest against Mexico, they lost in walk-off fashion, 5-4.
A Hall of Famer’s Support
In February of this year, during the Caribbean Series, former Braves Manager Bobby Cox, around Perez for many years, issued a ringing endorsement.
“Eddie is really a plus on any team. He would be a plus managing someday,” Cox said speaking to MLB.com “He’s still has young kids in high school and the family. He’s such a big family guy, and it’s hard for him to leave Atlanta right now. But I think in a couple years, he’ll be able to do that or whatever. He’s Major League managerial material, for sure.”
The former catcher and Venezuelan-American spent nine of his 11 big league seasons playing for Cox in Atlanta, and joined his coaching staff in 2007. Perez considers Cox his mentor.
“I learned everything from Bobby,” Perez told to MLB.com. “The thing I learned the most from him was how to treat the players. That’s what I do the most here. I treat everyone the same and with respect and they respond to that.”
In October, the Colorado Rockies considered Perez for their managerial opening. In addition, he interviewed for the Braves opening. Atlanta, however, remained the interim stat
Eventually, Atlanta removed the interim tag from Brian Snitker and named the long-time Braves coach as their 2017 manager.
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Qualifying Offer for 2017 Determined
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the qualifying offer, a one-year contract for restricted major-league free agents, is worth $17.2 million.
That is up 8.9 percent from last offseason ($15.8 million).
After averaging the top 125 contracts, Major League Baseball determined the amount.
Free Agents who play the entire season with the same team are eligible.
If a player declines the qualifying offer and tests their value on the open market, the team receives no draft pick compensation.
Next: Mike Hazen Introduced as the new Diamondbacks general manager
This winter, two Diamondbacks’ players become free agents, reliever Daniel Hudson and outfielder Rickie Weeks Jr .