Report: John Farrell leads external candidates for Phillies' manager role

If the Philadelphia Phillies opt for an experienced manager to fill their skipper vacancy, expect the gig to be given to John Farrell, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.

Farrell was informed earlier in October that he would not return as manager of the Boston Red Sox following the 2017 campaign after leading the club to its second consecutive division title.

The Phillies interviewed Farrell on Wednesday after Philadelphia surprisingly transitioned incumbent manager Pete Mackanin into a front-office role after the 2017 season.

The Phillies were believed to be close to hiring internal candidate Dusty Wathan as the club's successor to Mackanin, who managed the Triple-A squad in 2017.

While Olney's report doesn't rule that out as a possibility, it appears vice president Matt Klentak and the rest of the Phillies' front office are deciding between the experienced Farrell and the rookie Wathan.