Craig Counsell no longer in running for Rays' manager job

The list of candidates to succeed Joe Maddon as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays got a little shorter Friday, as Craig Counsell is no longer in consideration for the position, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

Counsell has served as special assistant to Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin since 2012, and said he's content with the position he currently has.

“It’s multiple reasons, and that’s one of them. I’m happy here,” Counsell said. “I don’t really want to go into all of the reasons and make a big story, but basically I’m happy here and I want to keep working here.”

Counsell, who enjoyed a 16-year playing career in the major leagues, was one of 10 candidates invited for preliminary interviews for the vacant manager job. Among the remaining nine candidates, only two are currently employed by the Rays, and third baseman Evan Longoria suggested earlier this month the club might be best served to opt for an internal hire.