Report: Blue Jays eyeing Indians' Shapiro as potential replacement for president

The Toronto Blue Jays weren't able to convince Dave Dombrowski to become their new president when incumbent Paul Beeston retires at season's end, so the club has directed its focus towards another veteran executive with years of experience in the American League Central.

The Blue Jays, who have been searching for Beeston's replacement since at least December, have spoken to Indians president (and former general manager) Mark Shapiro about the position, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

One of several prominent names linked to the impending job opening, Shapiro has spent more than two decades with the Indians, serving as farm director for five years before taking over as assistant general manager and eventually graduating to general manager in 2001.

Twice voted by his peers as Sporting News Executive of the Year, the 48-year-old could take over at a pivotal time for the Blue Jays, who appear poised to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 1993. Specifically, Shapiro would likely determine the future of general manager Alex Anthopoulos, whose contract reportedly expires Oct. 31.