Jays interview Sandy Alomar Jr.

[audio:http://torontoobserver.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Jays1.mp3|titles=Jays]It seems the Blue Jays’ manager search has taken another twist.

According to Associated Press, the Jays have spoken to Indians first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr.

A person close to the situation, who requested anonymity, said that Alomar was in town on Monday to interview for the vacant managerial job.

Sources also told Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports .com that Alomar has interviewed for the Toronto position twice before and that he is “among the finalists,” for the job.

Alomar, whose brother Robbie played five stellar seasons with the Jays, started his baseball career in 1988 as catcher in the San Diego Padres system. He went to the Indians in 1990 and stayed for 10 seasons before prolonging his career with seven more teams. He retired as a member of the New York Mets in 2007.

The 44-year-old commenced his coaching journey as a catching instructor for the Mets during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. In November of last year, Alomar went back to Cleveland when Manny Acta hired him to be his first base coach and catching instructor.

He has no actual managerial experience at any level of baseball but he impressed the Cleveland front office with his preparation and work with the team’s catchers.

The Jays insist the new manager retain the services of pitching coach Bruce Walton because of his impressive work with the young pitching.

This maybe an easier caveat to swallow for a first-time candidate.

Eric Wedge was hired as manager  of the Seattle Mariners Tuesday, leaving the Jays with the lone vacancy in the American League.

Joe Girardi does not have a contract for 2011 with the New York Yankees, but expects to back in pinstripes next season.

Other candidates for the Toronto job, include Yankees third base coach and Canadian Rob Thomson, Jays third base coach Brian Butterfield, former Mets boss Bobby Valentine and Rockies hitting coach Don Baylor.

Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos has said he will make his choice by the start of the winter meetings in December, but it may come sooner.

Anthopoulos refuses to comment on the report, so Alomar is ‘unofficially’ the 15th candidate to interview for the position.

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By: Gordon Anderson
Posted: Oct 19 2010 7:54 pm
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