Report: Blue Jays Eyeing Veteran Managerial Candidates ‘With an Edge,’ Haven’t Reached Out to Bobby Valentine Yet

Last week, the Blue Jays netted three All-Stars in a blockbuster trade with the Marlins. Now, the club is looking for an outspoken manager to lead the team.

Toronto is searching for a veteran managerial candidate “with an edge” to replace skipper John Farrell, according to CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler. Farrell was traded to the Red Sox in exchange for Mike Aviles after managing the team for two seasons.

Toronto reportedly reached out to former Braves skipper Bobby Cox, who turned down the position. So far, the organization has spoken to Mike Hargrove, who last managed the Mariners in 2007 and took the Indians to two World Series.

Knobler indicates in the report that the Blue Jays haven’t spoken to Bobby Valentine, Lou Piniella, Jim Fregosi or Jim Riggleman yet. Valentine, who managed the Red Sox in 2012, could fit the bill as far as having an “edge,” given his penchant for criticizing players in public.

There’s also a chance that Larry Bowa and Jim Tracy could wind up as candidates for the job. Either way, the Blue Jays roster with the likes of Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista makes the job very attractive.

Earlier in the offseason process, Toronto reportedly interviewed Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach. The team seemingly has strayed from Wallach, considering he doesn’t have managing experience at the major league level.