As he discussed his rise to Mets manager during his introductory news conference on Tuesday, Carlos Mendoza talked about some of the coaches and managers who influenced him and helped him along the way.
He mentioned current Phillies manager Rob Thomson and just-retired manager Dusty Baker as people who shaped his style.
Mendoza then singled out former Mets manager Willie Randolph, also a staple in the Bronx.
"I learned a lot the past few years from Willie Randolph, who I consider a friend," Mendoza said. "This is a guy that -- I don't know if he knows it -- he had a big impact on my coaching career."
Asked after his news conference ended whether Randolph was a candidate to be his bench coach, Mendoza smiled and said he "greatly respects" him, per Laura Albanese of Newsday.
Reached by Joel Sherman of The New York Post, Randolph did not dismiss the possibility.
“All I said (to Mendoza) was to do whatever you need to do, get your family to New York, get yourself comfortable and know in the back of your mind if you need me, I’m here for you," Randolph said. "I am a Carlos Mendoza fan.”
It has been speculated that the Mets might hire a former manager to be Mendoza's bench coach.
Randolph, 69, managed the Mets from 2005 to 2008.
He worked as a coach with the Yankees from 1994 to 2004, with the Brewers from 2009 to 2010, and with the Orioles in 2011.