The Yokohama BayStars are making a "concentrated effort" to bring Bobby Valentine back to Japan. That was the word reported by FOX Sports on Tuesday, days after the manager returned to the U.S. after his final season managing the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Citing a major-league source, FOX Sports is also reporting that Valentine is on a list of candidates who will receive interviews for the Cleveland Indians managerial position.
Valentine managed the Marines in 1995 and from 2004 to 2009, leading the team to the Japan Series title in 2005. The Marines announced in December that the team would not renew Valentine's contract at the end of the 2009 season, leading to a season-long controversy and fan protests.
Valentine is currently working for ESPN and will be making his debut as an analyst on "Baseball Tonight" during the MLB playoffs.