Yes, there is a difference and that is why IMHO the mlb policy doesn't pass the common sense test when you hire from within. Why parade around someone for the sake of looks and then hire the white guy? I hate hollow gestures. The Marlins where suppose to find a couple of minorities, bring them in, then promote their guy. How does that help the guys that get the sham interview? In fact it hurts the guy because later when a position does come up that they really have a chance at people start thinking this guy has interviewed for 4 Managerial jobs and never got one, I wonder what's wrong with him?
Hire the best guy for the job, period.