The LA Times is reporting that the Indians were given permission to interview Angels bench coach Ron Roenicke for their vacant managerial position.
Roenicke has spent the past 10 seasons with the Angels, six as the third base coach and the past four as the teams bench coach. It is unclear whether or not Roenicke is even interested in the position.
The Indians have narrowed down their candidates, which include Bobby Valentine and Manny Acta. However, there are growing concerns over Valentine's familiarity with the league, especially the Indians. In an interview with the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, we don't get the impression that Valentine seems committed to being a manager again:
"I don't know as much about Cleveland as someone interviewing for their manager's job probably should," said Valentine. "I could have crammed for the last six days, read every article and called every friend to get every bit of information just in case one of the guys asked me who the starting third baseman is going to be next year. I didn't do it.
Acta is also a finalist in Houston, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Acta be tabbed by Cleveland, especially if Roenicke declines an interview.