The Orioles expect bench coach John Russell to interview with the Twins for their vacant managerial position once Baltimore's postseason run is over.
Indications are that the Twins have not yet approached the Orioles for permission, but Baltimore will not stand in the way once a request is made. Russell, 53, managed the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2008 to '10, posting a 186-299 record.
Baltimore manager Buck Showalter spoke glowingly of Russell on Sunday to reporters before Game 3 of their American League Division Series at Detroit, won by the Orioles to sweep the series.
"There's nobody more loyal to an organization, and John's not actively seeking this," Showalter said. "Quite frankly, that's part of the reason I'm bringing it up, because ... there's no propaganda with him. It's, 'You know who I am, you know where I am, there's my body of work.' "
Russell is well known to the Twins, having managed several of their farm clubs. Between 1995 and 2002, Russell managed rookie league Elizabethton, Class A Fort Myers, Class AA New Britain and Class AAA Edmonton when the Twins had an affiliate in the Pacific Coast League.
He moved to Pittsburgh, where he coached third base from 2003 to '05. After managing Class AAA Ottawa from 2006 to '07, the Pirates brought him back as manager.
He is the first known outside candidate in the running to replace Ron Gardenhire, who was fired as manager last Monday. Paul Molitor and Doug Mientkiewicz interviewed for the job last week.
Russell's 10-year playing career included stints with Texas, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
