CLEVELAND, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Plain Dealer Monday reported that 34-year-old Eric Wedge, who has managed the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians at Buffalo the last two seasons, Tuesday will be named manager of the Indians.
Wedge would be the surprise choice over Joel Skinner, who started last season as the Indians' third base coach and took over as interim manager for the final 76 games after Charlie Manuel was fired.
Wedge, Skinner and Fredi Gonzalez, who manages Triple-A Richmond of the International League, an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, were the only candidates formally interviewed by Cleveland General Manager Mark Shapiro.
Anaheim Angels pitching coach Bud Black was believed to be Shapiro's top choice, but he took his name out of consideration last week.
When Shapiro was the Indians' farm director, he gave Wedge his first managerial job at Single-A Columbus, Ga., of the Atlantic League. Wedge made a steady climb through the minor league system, and last season, led the Bisons to a record of 89-57.
Wedge's five-year record as a minor league manager was 391-315.
In Cleveland, Wedge would be in charge of a young team in the process of rebuilding. Pitchers Bartolo Colon and Chuck Finley were traded last season, joining a list of departees over the last few years that included Manny Ramirez, Juan Gonzalez, Roberto Alomar and Kenny Lofton.
Wedge, a former catcher, played in just 39 major league games in a career cut short by knee problems. He hit .233 with five homers and 12 RBI.
