By Sean McAdam
CSNNE.com
The Toronto Blue Jays could decide on a new manager as soon as Friday, and multiple baseball sources expect the chocie to come down to one of two Red Sox coaches -- John Farrell or DeMarlo Hale.
The pair help make up the short list of finalists which includes Cleveland first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. and current Toronto coach Brian Butterfield. Butterfield's inclusion among the finalists was first reported by WEEI.com
Farrell and Hale each interviewed three times with Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos.
Farrell has been the Red Sox pitching coach since 2007 and had previously turned down offers to interview for managerial openings in Seattle and Pittsburgh.
Hale, who managed in the minors for both the Red Sox and Texas Rangers, has held multiple positions on Terry Francona's coaching staff since rejoining the Red Sox organization in 2006. This past season, Hale was the team's bench coach, replacing Brad Mills who was hired as manager of the Houston Astros.
The Red Sox are eager for a decision to be made, since the loss of either Hale or Farrell will require some reshuffling of their own staff.
Boston Red Sox
If Hale is the choice, the Sox will likely move Tim Bogar -- who also interviewed with Toronto before being eliminated from consideration -- to bench coach and find a repalcement for him at third. Pawtucket manager Torey Lovullo would be one possible candidate there. Ken Macha, another former Pawtucket manager who was recently let go as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, could be a candidate for the staff if he's not hired to manage the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Should Farrell get the Blue Jays job, the Sox' options are less clear, but it's logical to assume that they would go outside the organization to find his replacement.
Sean McAdam can be reached at smcadam@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sean on Twitter at http:twitter.comsean_mcadam