Blue Jays reportedly finalizing interview list for manager position

Though there was a brief lull in the managerial rumour mill of the Toronto Blue Jays, it is expected for some action to come soon.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays are set to narrow down the list of managers they’d like to interview in person following a slew of phone interview over the past week. Davidi also notes that the process could begin by next week.

The tail-end of Davidi’s column consists of candidates that have been either internally considered or have been rumoured to be connected to the team by various sources and outlets. They include; Joe Girardi, Stubby Clapp, Chris Woodward, John McDonald, David Bell, and Joe Espada.

Other internal candidates considered, according to Davidi, are DeMarlo Hale, John Schneider (who my colleague Josh Giles advocated for in this recent column) and Bobby Meacham.

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Of course, this report comes of no real surprise to those following the team. At a media availability earlier this month, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said that they’re hoping to finalize a manager within the following 25-30 days. Though we’re not quite there yet, that window of time is closing, and fast.

It’s also worth noting that movement of the managerial search of other teams potentially impacted this sudden progress. Earlier Friday, it was reported that former Yankees bench boss Joe Girardi was in Arlington to interview with the Texas Rangers. Atkins acknowledged in the aforementioned media session that other teams’ searches could influence the speed at which the Jays go about theirs.

Regardless, it’s good to know that the front office is advancing in their search to find a new skipper. While nothing is confirmed, it’s likely that the Blue Jays will announce a new manager before the calendar flips to November in a few weeks.