Would Kevin Cash abandon Rays for the Guardians?
According to Peter Gammons, “the Rays are a little concerned” about Kevin Cash’s departure from Tampa Bay for the Cleveland Guardians.
There will be numerous names floated as candidates for the Cleveland Guardians’ managing position until it is filled. Kevin Cash, manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, has been mentioned repeatedly in these discussions.
Is it possible that Cash will become Cleveland’s next manager? Is he interested in the position? What is Tampa’s take on all of this?
Let’s get started.
Cash’s association with former Guardians manager Terry Francona is the source of all the speculations regarding him going to Cleveland. After Cash played for Francona in Boston, the two became fast friends. Tito also hired Cash as a bullpen coach after he accepted the available manager position with Cleveland in 2013.
The two had many fond memories coaching together in Cleveland, but on December 5, 2014, Cash accepted Tampa’s available manager position.
As a result, Cash, Francona, and the Cleveland organization have a history. When it comes to hiring a new boss, all of this matters.
Of course, fans immediately referred to all of this as a reason why Cash would want to come to Cleveland now that Fracnona is retiring and sticking with the team in an undetermined role.
Hall of Fame sportswriter Peter Gammons recently stated that Cash joining the Guardians is “something people (in Tampa Bay) are concerned about.” Cleveland was his favorite city. He was madly in love with Tito. I’m sure the Rays are worried about it. It’s an intriguing idea.”
Even if the Guardians wanted to hire Cash immediately once and the Rays manager was ready to sign the deal, there remains one major stumbling block. Cash is signed with the Rays through the 2025 season. He is committed to Tampa Bay for two more years before moving on to another franchise.
Perhaps Cash will succeed Tito in Cleveland in the future, completing the cycle. He has a proven track record of leading the 2020 Rays to the World Series and runs a squad similar to the Guardians.
It would be fantastic to see Cash in Cleveland, but it appears unlikely.
