Steinbrenner Would Like To See Showalter Remain As Manager

After much speculation surrounding Davey Johnson, Tony La Russa and Sparky Anderson as candidates for manager of the New York Yankees, owner George Steinbrenner says he wants Buck Showalter to return.

Steinbrenner made public in the New York Post on Thursday his wish to retain Showalter, who has the longest tenure of any manager since Steinbrenner became the team’s owner in 1973.

Showalter, hired in late 1991, signed a three-year contract that ends Oct. 31.

Johnson, who managed the New York Mets to a World Series championship in 1986, reportedly was Steinbrenner’s first choice. Johnson also has interviewed for the Baltimore Orioles managerial job.

Anderson resigned as Detroit Tigers manager after the season. La Russa is still Oakland’s manager, but has been given permission by the team’s owners to explore other opportunities.

Philadelphia Phillies announced it will pick up manager Jim Fregosi’s 1997 option. They also picked former Red Sox manager Butch Hobson to take over their farm team in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton next season. Also, Dave Cash replaced Mel Roberts as first-base coach.

The Milwaukee Brewers hired Jim Gantner as first base coach. Gantner, 42, spent his entire 17-year major-league playing career with the Brewers and retired after the 1992 season. Prior to joining the Brewers, he played for the Spokane Indians. Garner replaces Tim Foli, who asked to be relieved of his duties to pursue other coaching opportunities.