Angels Interview Watson Again for GM Position

Bob Watson, former general manager with Houston and the New York Yankees, interviewed with the Angels for the second time regarding their general manager position.

Watson spoke Wednesday with Disney President Tony Tavares after having talked on Tuesday with Disney executive Sandy Litvack. Watson, apparently the first candidate to be recalled, had interviewed with Tavares in Anaheim last week.

Tavares would like to have his general manager in place by Friday, in part because the pool of available managers is drying.

Phil Garner has been offered a four-year, $4-million deal to replace Larry Parrish as manager of the Detroit Tigers, according to a report in Wednesday’s Detroit Free Press, so the Angels are on the verge of losing both of their favored candidates. Parrish, however, has not been fired by the Tigers.

Before Bill Bavasi resigned as their general manager, the Angels interviewed Garner and contacted Don Baylor. Since then, Baylor has been courted by the Chicago Cubs.

Watson would have Baylor on his short list, along with Chris Chambliss and fellow Yankee coach Willie Randolph. Cito Gaston, who recently returned to Toronto as a coach, also would be prominent on that list.

George Steinbrenner said he would happily grant Watson permission to approach his two coaches.