Mattingly Candidate to Manage in Cleveland, Washington

PHILADELPHIA -- Don Mattingly, considered the heir apparent for the Dodgers' managerial job, confirmed he has spoken to the Indians and said the Nationals have asked for permission to interview him.

Mattingly, the Dodgers' hitting coach, has wanted to manage for a while. He interviewed for the Yankees job after Joe Torre was not brought back but lost out to Joe Girardi.

Torre brought Mattingly to Los Angeles as his hitting coach, but Mattingly may not wait for Torre to retire.

"When opportunity knocks," he said Tuesday, "you've got to break down the door."

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Monday night that Mattingly is a candidate to replace Eric Wedge and had interviewed by phone. Mattingly said Tuesday he will speak to Cleveland again, perhaps an indication he is a finalist.

Mattingly said Washington is "on a different timetable" than Cleveland and will wait until after the World Series to crank up its interview process.