Orioles Still Interested in Manuel

The Orioles and the Phillies have been linked a few times this offseason, with reports that Baltimore was interested in outfielder Marlon Byrd, and the Phillies were trying to pawn off Ryan Howard in the process. Now it appears that the Orioles have another Phillie on their radar, Charlie Manuel.

Since the Orioles former hitting coach Jim Presley was reassigned within the organization, the Orioles have expressed interest in giving Manuel the job, though he previously declined the offer. The team is still in a search for a hitting a coach, and Charlie Manuel still appears to be a priority target, according to Roch Kubakto of MASN. "The Orioles are still targeting Charlie Manuel in their search for a new hitting coach, according to sources, and they should know later this week whether he's willing to fill the position.", Kubakto chronicled.

Serving as a senior advisor to Ruben Amaro Jr, the Orioles would need the Phillies permission to conduct an interview. It is unclear if the Phillies would allow that, or if Manuel has had a change of heart after initially turning down the Orioles first offer. At 70 years old, the Orioles believe Manuel can still help their roster, but its uncertain if Manuel would want to take on the rigors of that job, and the grind it entails.