Report: LaCava, Atkins finalists for Blue Jays' GM job

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly close to naming a new general manager, as Cleveland Indians executive Ross Atkins and interim Toronto GM Tony LaCava have emerged as two finalists for the job, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Though the club may be considering other candidates, as well, sources said they'd be "surprised" if newly hired president Mark Shapiro went with anyone other than LaCava or Atkins.

Shapiro, who has worked extensively with both finalists, reportedly hopes to have someone in place before the winter meetings begin Dec. 7 in Nashville, though that may not be possible, Heyman notes.

LaCava previously served as national crosschecker for the Indians in 2002, during Shapiro's tenure as GM, and the two were reacquainted when Shapiro was hired to replace Paul Beeston in Toronto. LaCava, who was Anthopoulos' assistant for several years, has already brokered two major deals as interim general manager, re-signing Marco Estrada to a two-year deal earlier this month before finalizing a three-year, $36-million contract with J.A. Happ on Friday.

Atkins, meanwhile, worked under Shapiro in Cleveland for 15 years, holding a number of positions. Last year, Atkins was promoted to vice president of player personnel after serving as head of player development for the previous eight seasons.