Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels is set to interview Nippon Ham Fighters skipper Trey Hillman by telephone for the team's managerial opening, according to a report on the major league club's official Web site.

Hillman, who guided the Fighters to their first Japan Series title in 44 years with a 4-1 win over the Chunichi Dragons in Game 5 of the series Thursday, is among five candidates to replace Buck Showalter, who was dismissed earlier this month.

Hillman is unlikely to be able to meet with Daniels as there will be a victory parade for the Fighters, whose win means they now go on to play in the Asian Series against teams from China, Taiwan and South Korea.