Dusty Baker drawing interest on managerial market

UPDATE: A source with direct knowledge of the club's plans downplayed the idea of the Padres hiring Baker, saying that the growing industry talk does "not have legs". It appears as though Baker will be a hot candidate on the managerial market, with the Marlins likely targeting him as a top candidate.
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ORIGINAL: There is growing speculation in the industry that the Padres will consider Dusty Baker as part of their managerial search, according to a league source with knowledge of the club's thinking. Padres officials did not respond to requests for comment on Baker late Tuesday night.

Baker, 66, has not managed in the major leagues since 2013 with the Reds and is also considered a strong candidate for the Marlins, who are also beginning their managerial search. Baker has expressed a willingness to return to managing after two years off, and will appeal to teams looking for experience in their searches this winter.

San Diego interviewed Baker in 2006 for their open managerial job, but ultimately named Bud Black as the successor to Bruce Bochy. Baker took a year off in 2007 and got his third managerial job, at the helm of the Reds, in 2008.

The Padres are also likely to consider interim manager Pat Murphy and Triple-A manager Jamie Quirk for the permanent position, with Red Sox special assistant Jason Varitek also expected to be under consideration. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus was considered a potential candidate before Detroit announced that he would retain his current position for the 2016 season.