Chicago Cubs' bench coach Dave Martinez, one of the many candidates linked to the Colorado Rockies' managerial vacancy, received an endorsement from his current boss.

"I would hope that Davey does get that opportunity to interview and possibly get the job," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told Carrie Muskat of MLB.com on Sunday.

Martinez was Maddon's bench coach with the Tampa Bay Rays and was hired by the Cubs when Maddon took over prior to the 2015 season.

The 52-year-old Martinez has never been a big league manager. He has interviewed for several jobs, including the Los Angeles Dodgers' post last season that went to Dave Roberts.

Royals bench coach Don Wakamatsu, Indians first-base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. and Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo are among those on the long list of candidates mentioned for the Colorado job. Former big league managers Bud Black and Ron Roenicke also have confirmed their interest, according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.

The Rockies are searching for a manager to replace Walt Weiss, who resigned after the season.

-- Doug Mittler