Doug Melvin out of running to be new GM Mets, report says

The search for the New York Mets' new general manager narrowed on Thursday with the Milwaukee Brewers GM Doug Melvin now in the running for the job, according to a FanCred Sports report.

It's unclear if Melvin pulled out on his own accord or if he was told he was no longer being considered for the job. Melvin had his second interview with Jeff Wilpon, Chief Operating Officer Fred Wilpon and his son, and some early reports said he was considered a favorite to win the job.

According to Fancred, the two remaining finalists for the job are Brodie Van Wagenen, who interviewed Monday, and Tampa Bay senior vice president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom.

The 44-year-old Van Wagenen has been co-head of CAA Baseball since 2010 and is familiar with the Mets as the representative for Yoenis Cespedes and others.

"In my role as an agent," Van Wagenen said Monday, "My conversations with the Mets continue to be organic. I believe baseball is better when the Mets are competitive and successful. "

Sandy Alderson has been a general manager since October 2010 but took a leave of absence in July. The team's baseball decisions have been made by the trio of badistant general manager John Ricco and special badistants Omar Minaya and J.P. Ricciardi, all reporting to chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and his father, owner Fred Wilpon.

"As Jeff and Fred continues their search for a baseball operations, the players, fans and any organization will be motivated to have a leader with the skills and commitment to win," Van Wagenen said. "If the Wilpons believe I we will have that conversation. "