masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgBuck Showalter became the latest candidate to interview for the Orioles’ managerial position, meeting for about three hours earlier today with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and majority owner Peter Angelos.

MacPhail admits that it’s an awkward process to keep updating reporters on the proceedings while Juan Samuel is currently serving as interim manager. He didn’t provide many details on today’s meeting beyond saying that it was “enjoyable” and that he finds these…Buck Showalter became the latest candidate to interview for the Orioles’ managerial position, meeting for about three hours earlier today with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and majority owner Peter Angelos.

MacPhail admits that it’s an awkward process to keep updating reporters on the proceedings while Juan Samuel is currently serving as interim manager. He didn’t provide many details on today’s meeting beyond saying that it was “enjoyable” and that he finds these discussions to be “educational.”

“I’ve take the position, right or wrong, that the more low-key we can go, the better,” MacPhail said.

MacPhail hasn’t read Bobby Valentine’s statement about withdrawing his name from consideration. However, MacPhail spoke to Valentine’s agent.

Showalter was the third candidate to interview, joining Valentine and Eric Wedge. No other interviews are scheduled at the moment, and MacPhail wouldn’t confirm whether he’s contacted anyone currently employed by another team.

The process is still expected to carry beyond the All-Star break, though MacPhail added, “I can always be surprised.”

The Marlins are looking to fill their vacancy right away, but MacPhail said, “I don’t think, given our place in the standings, that the urgency is as paramount as it might be to a team like the Marlins who are still within striking distance. And if you look back at 2003, they made a change and it propelled them to the World Series, much to my chagrin personally.”

Don’t look for Fredi Gonzalez to be interviewed. The popular perception in baseball is he’s waiting to replace Bobby Cox in Atlanta. And forget Tom Kelly, who hasn’t shown any interest in returning to baseball.