Third base coach Jose Oquendo is a candidate for Arizona Diamondbacks

With Tony La Russa at the helm of the Arizona Diamondbacks, it comes as no surprise that third base coach Jose Oquendo is a candidate for the now-open managerial position.

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Oquendo was one of six candidates interviewed when the St. Louis Cardinals job came open when La Russa retired following the end of the 2011 season. Ultimately, the Cardinals chose former catcher and then-special assistant Mike Matheny to be the manager. Oquendo was kept on as third base coach.

Oquendo has previously interviewed for openings with the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. What makes this opportunity different is that La Russa will be the one doing the hiring. The coach is certainly due for a managerial gig sooner rather than later.

On Friday, the Diamondbacks fired manager Kirk Gibson and bench coach Alan Trammell.

“I think my résumé is already made with as long as I’ve been in the game,” Oquendo <a href="told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “The first opportunity (to interview), earlier, I was more excited about it. It’s the first time. You want that experience.

“Now, I know it’s about getting the right guy, getting the right place, getting the right time, focusing on what I can bring. You want that chance to show what you can bring.”

Oquendo, in the meantime, is focused on his coaching duties for the Cardinals during the postseason.