There is one MLB manager’s job still open and that is with the Seattle Mariners.

There are three Red Sox coaches being mentioned as possible candidates for the job: pitching coach John Farrell, bench coach Brad Mills, and base coach DeMarlo Hale.

According to the Seattle Times, the Mariners have a list of some 32 names, but they plan to reduce that to five or seven for the interview process that will probably take place next week.

Former MLB manager Bobby Valentine, now managing in Japan, is apparently on the long list, along with interim Seattle manager Jim Riggleman, former Mets manager Willie Randolph and others.

Farrell is the one with a Maine connection.

In 1984, the Triple A Maine Guides (of which I was a part owner and broadcaster) played their inaugural season in Old Orchard Beach.

The team was an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians who drafted Farrell out of Oklahoma State University as a second-round draft pick in 1984.

He was 21 at the time and started five games for the Guides, going 2-1 with a 3.76 ERA.

That team under manager Doc Edwards, who would later go on to manage the Indians, finished second in the International League and lost the championship series to the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Farrell was then, and is now, a student of the game. He is a serious person, intense, but quietly humble.

John is one of those people you just like immediately and as time goes on, one gains a respect for his very real decency.

When we cross paths, as we often do in the baseball season, we usually exchange at least one Maine remembrance. He does not forget the road behind him even as he concentrates on the now.

Farrell’s major league pitching career was hindered by injuries, but he pitched in 116 MLB games from 1987 through 1996.

He then became the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Oklahoma State University until 2001 when he joined Cleveland as director of player development.

The Sox hired him as pitching coach in 2007. Farrell always has said the position with the Indians gave him the experience from an organizational level that opened the door with the Sox.

Even with only one year in that post, the Pittsburgh Pirates inquired of the Sox about talking with Farrell about their managerial opening at the end of the 2007 season.

Farrell declined to be considered, believing he owed the Sox some loyalty. He remained in the pitching coach position.

Farrell may now have to consider speaking with a team about a manager’s job again.

Whether he is interviewed and offered the job or not, Farrell’s name will be one raised for other managerial jobs in the future. His name is also on the future general manager’s list.

He is that respected.

bdnsports@bangordailynews.net