Gaston clarifies future with Blue Jays

Cito Gaston says he's turned the page on the possibility of managing the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011 and doesn't see a point in returning for another season.

The 66-year-old's future came up again Tuesday after a radio interview on the MLB Network Radio in which host Jim Bowden told Gaston that he thinks "it's unacceptable that you step aside." But both during the interview and speaking later during his session with reporters, Gaston sounded like a man ready to move into the front office to serve as a consultant.

"In my mind, it's pretty final for me, I'm going to leave," said Gaston. "I've said it a few times, I think it's best for the ball club to get someone in here who's going to be here for a few years.

"If I was a little bit younger and going to be around for two or three more years, which I think that would be OK, then I'd probably be kicking and screaming trying to stay here. That's not the case for me. If I do come back, it would only be for one year, so what's that going to do for anybody? …

"I'm ready to go. No problem."

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos recently began their search for Gaston's successor by compiling a list of potential candidates from around the majors. Those names will later be narrowed down into a more manageable short list.