IN BRIEF : Interim Leader Gaston Named Manager of Toronto Blue Jays

TORONTO —  Cito Gaston, who has been interim manager since Jimy Williams was fired May 15, was named manager of the Toronto Blue Jays today.

Gaston’s appointment ended weeks of speculation of who would manage the American League club.

The Jays had hoped to lure Lou Piniella from the New York Yankees but talks broke down last weekend over compensation. Terry Bevington, first base coach of the Chicago White Sox, also was given serious consideration, as was Bob Bailor, manager of the Jays’ Triple-A International League club in Syracuse, N.Y.

Gaston, who was the Jays’ hitting coach when Williams was fired May 15, becomes the fourth black manager in baseball history, and he is the fifth full-time manager of the Jays.

The Jays were 8-6 under Gaston heading into tonight’s game with the Cleveland Indians.