Scioscia Declines Offer to Talk to Rays

Mike Scioscia, who has been considered on a fast track in the Dodger organization, has turned down a chance to interview for the Tampa Bay Devil Ray managerial job.

The Dodgers granted Tampa Bay’s request to interview Scioscia, but the former Dodger catcher and current coach on Manager Bill Russell’s staff declined after meeting with President Peter O’Malley and General Manager Fred Claire.

“There were no promises,” Scioscia said, referring to that meeting. “I wouldn’t expect any and there shouldn’t be.

“I just think it’s the right move for me to stay here as part of Bill’s staff. I’ve given 22 years to the organization, and the Dodgers are committed to winning. I think it’s the ultimate situation if you’re coaching in the big leagues.

“I want to manage down the road and I’m flattered by the Devil Rays’ interest. Managing an expansion team is a great opportunity, and they have a lot of high-quality people running that organization. All of that came into play, but the overriding factor is the Dodgers’ commitment to winning.”

Scioscia was reached in Arizona, where he is managing in the Arizona Fall League, which comprises top prospects.

Said Claire of the meeting with Scioscia: “There was never anything mentioned, promised or implied [regarding the future]. We think highly of Mike, but through all the years that I’ve been general manager we’ve never prevented anyone from interviewing for a position.

“Mike made his own decision based on his bond to the organization. It’s like Russell going to Albuquerque to manage without a single promise [about a future position with the Dodgers] and Phil Regan [then a pitching instructor with the Dodgers] declining to be interviewed for the Marlins’ managerial job [to remain with the Dodgers].”