Could the Braves general manager search be over already?
According to a Yahoo! Sports report, interim GM John Hart has been offered the full-time job by team president John Schuerholz.
The Braves fired GM Frank Wren on Monday, with Hart joining Schuerholz and Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox on a transition team to find a replacement. During the press conference Hart was non-committal on whether he would pursue the position, saying "it's a little early in the game to begin thinking that far ahead."
Hart, 66, was the architect of the Indians' success in the 1990s and was also at the helm of the Rangers.He and has been acting as a consultant with the Braves.
Hart was influential in the team's offseason moves to lock up its young stars, first baseman Freddie Freeman, closer Craig Kimbrel, shortstop Andrelton Simmons and starting pitcher Julio Teheran to deals totaling $267.4 million.
Atlanta's assistant GM and director of scouting, John Coppolella, has also been rumored as a replacement. The 35-year-old was brought to the organization five years ago after working with the Yankees.
Royals GM Dayton Moore is also believed be on the Braves' short list. A disciple of Schuerholz, who has thrived in one of baseball's smallest markets and has Kansas City eyeing its first spot in the postseason since 1985.
