Report: Manny Acta 'lit up the room' during Mets interview for manager

The New York Mets' interview process for their managerial vacancy is expected to continue through the end of this week, but one candidate may have secured themselves the position with a stellar interview.

On Friday, a report surfaced from the New York Post's Mike Vaccaro, claiming Manny Acta "lit up the room" during his interview, which could be good news for the former big-league manager.

The 48-year-old was a front-runner for the position, along with Mets hitting coach Kevin Long, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

Internal belief is the Mets would like to finalize a deal by the weekend and announce their new manager before the World Series begins Tuesday, reports Sherman.

Acta has a number of qualities which may have intrigued the Mets, as well. The Dominican-born coach is bilingual, good with the media - which is a must in New York City - and is forward-thinking with analytics, which certainly fits the criteria of general manager Sandy Alderson.

Acta spent 2017 as a bench coach with the Seattle Mariners and has six years of experience as a big-league manager, recording a 158-252 record with the Washington Nationals from 2007-09 and a 214-266 record with the Cleveland Indians from 2010-12.