The Phillies general manager search is coming to a head.

Incoming president Andy MacPhail has already interviewed several candidates, but it seems as if one local product has emerged as a favorite.

According to USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Kansas City Royals assistant GM J.J. Picollo has emerged as a “heavy favorite” to become the next Phillies general manager.

Picollo is a native of Cherry Hill, NJ and has been connected to the Phillies GM position before and has already interviewed for the position, according to Jon Heyman.

Nightengale also reports that the Phillies plan to interview at least six more candidates, but Picollo continues to remain a favorite.

Picollo has been an  assistant with the Royals since 2008 and has been with the organization since 2006. He also spent time in the Atlanta Braves organization.

Picollo attended Cherry Hill West high school in the late 1980's where he was a star baseball player.

MacPhail has said that he'd like a general manger in place by the time organizational meetings begin at the end of the month.

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