Multiple reports suggest that the Blue Jays have offered Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell the job of Toronto manager, with the two sides trying to work out contract details on Friday night. CSNNE.com first reported the news. One source familiar with the situation suggested that it would be surprising at this point if Farrell did not take over as Toronto manager.

Farrell has been the Boston pitching coach since 2007. Prior to that, he was the head of Player Development from 2001-06 for the Cleveland Indians.

His loss would be significant, as Farrell has received raves from Red Sox pitchers over his four seasons for his work to prepare the pitching staff and for his instruction. Under Farrell, the Sox have seen young pitchers Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz emerge from early-career struggles to achieve All-Star status, weathered the challenging transition of Daisuke Matsuzaka to the United States and managed a diverse array of personalities and pitcher types.

The Sox finished ninth in the American League in 2010 with a 4.59 ERA. In Farrell’s first three years as pitching coach, the team had finished first, fourth and seventh in that category.

While Farrell had a contract clause preventing him from interviewing for managerial vacancies in prior offseasons, that restriction was no longer in place this year. Given the chance to interview, Farrell apparently made a favorable impression on Toronto officials.

The Sox, according to a major league source, would likely evaluate both internal replacements as well as candidates from outside the organization if Farrell leaves. Earlier on Friday, MLB Network and NESN analyst Peter Gammons discussed the challenge facing the Sox in having to replace Farrell.

“I think the Red Sox know that it’s going to be really difficult, given the pitching staff, to replace John Farrell. There just isn’t anybody out there right now,” said Gammons. ”I don’t really think they know what direction they’re going in when John leaves. I think they’re worried about this. Very worried.”

The Blue Jays narrowed their manager search from a wide list. Earlier on Friday, according to reports, Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale was informed that he was no longer in consideration for the job.