PHOENIX • One of the candidates expected to be discussed by Tony La Russa and his Arizona front office for the Diamondbacks’ managerial opening is one La Russa has stumped for in the past.

With La Russa offering public bouquets as references, Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo has been interviewed for manager openings in Seattle, San Diego and with the New York Mets. He was one of the six candidates with Mike Matheny who interviewed for the Cardinals’ manager position after La Russa retired.

As the Cardinals readied to leave the desert Sunday, Oquendo said that his focus is on the playoffs with the Cards, not the possibility of another interview.

He has a different view now that he’s been through the process before.

“I think my résumé is already made with as long as I’ve been in the game,” said Oquendo, who is 51 and has been a Cardinals coach for 15 seasons. “The first opportunity (to interview), earlier, I was more excited about it. It’s the first time. You want that experience.

"Now, I know it’s about getting the right guy, getting the right place, getting the right time, focusing on what I can bring. You want that chance to show what you can bring.”

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