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Could the MLB have a Canadian skipper for the first time in over 80 years?

By Tyler Partridge

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 24: Acting Yankees manager Rob Thomson agues with umpire Dana DeMuth after Dellin Betances
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 24: Acting Yankees manager Rob Thomson agues with umpire Dana DeMuth after Dellin Betances /
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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 24: Acting manager Rob Thomson of the New York Yankees is held back by first base coach Tony Pena after Dellin Betances /

ROB THOMSON (Candidate #1)                                                                    Current position: Bench Coach New York Yankees

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In the wake of the Yankees not retaining manager Joe Girardi, many have speculated that New York’s long time bench coach Rob Thomson (Corunna, Ont.) is the leading candidate to take over.

According to a recent Sporting News article, Vegas has the Canuck as a 6-1 favourite to replace Girardi, with the strong belief that the new Yankee skipper will be hired internally.

Thomson is a year older than Girardi but many of New York’s younger players, known as the Baby Bombers, have spoken fondly about their bench coach.

"“(Thomson) has a lot of knowledge about the game so you always gotta ask him questions,” said Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorious. “He’ll help you prepare and get ready for the game. He’s there to help, that’s what he’s there for.”"

Having spent the last decade as a coach in New York, starting as a first base coach, before becoming the bench coach in 2013, Thomson is a name that the Yankee organization is very familiar. He has been working with Yankees in some capacity for the past 28-years. He has coached at every level in the team’s minor-league system and worked in the player development department.

Thomson would offer a familiar face to many of New York’s players, both young and old. The first step in determining Thomson’s future will come on Tuesday as all the Yankees coaches can look for new jobs when their contracts end.

The 54-year old has taken a receptive approach to analytics and while he may not have managing experience in the big leagues but like Joe Maddon, he has certainly paid his dues. Considering his familiarity with the management staff, the roster and seeing the ups and downs in the baseball capital, it is hard to see anyone more qualified to take over.

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