The Fab 5 list of GM candidates

The Orioles are putting together a list of candidates to replace president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. They haven't sought permission to interview anyone, but that soon will change. A source confirmed that the short list includes Rangers assistant general manager Thad Levine, Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava, Marlins assistant GM Dan Jennings, Padres vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes and Mets special assistant J.P. Ricciardi. Other candidates could surface, including Rays senior vice president Gerry Hunsicker, though there are some doubts whether he would be granted permission. Manager Buck Showalter has made a few recommendations. Others have come from within the warehouse. Showalter is returning to Baltimore and is scheduled to meet tomorrow with majority owner Peter Angelos. Levine, a native of Alexandria, Va., is especially intriguing to the Orioles. He has to rank as an early favorite if he's allowed to interview for the job. Levine grew up an Orioles fan. I'm not sure whether he wore their cap at games, but he does confirm his childhood allegiance in this interview on mlbtraderumors. Also, scouting director Joe Jordan has interviewed with the Phillies for their position of director of player development, as reported earlier today by The Sun's Dan Connolly. Jordan's contract runs out in December. At least one prominent member of the organization wants Jordan to remain in the organization if the Phillies don't hire him, but his status will remain murky until the Orioles find MacPhail's replacement.