Blue Jays interim skipper Schneider settling in

The home manager's office had that just-moved-in feel Thursday as John Schneider held court with reporters in the room for the first time since being named interim skipper of the Toronto Blue Jays a day earlier.

TORONTO – The home manager’s office had that just-moved-in feel Thursday as John Schneider held court with reporters in the room for the first time since being named interim skipper of the Toronto Blue Jays a day earlier.

His desk was mostly clear, save for a couple laptops and a few pens. Two pieces of his sons’ artwork hung by the nameplate at his locker stall.

“I’ve got to get some pictures up here too,” Schneider said with a smile as he leaned back in his chair, hands in the pockets of his warmup shirt.

The bongos, record collection and personal effects from predecessor Charlie Montoyo had been packed up and taken away after his 3 1/2-season run in the position ended Wednesday.

A black couch taken out shortly after the John Gibbons’ managerial era ended had returned. As media members filed in for the usual pre-game chat, someone mentioned Gibbons used to have a fridge in the corner.

“I’m working on a kegger here,” Schneider joked before letting out a big laugh.

The 42-year-old native of Princeton, N.J., seemed quite comfortable in his new work digs as he engaged in friendly banter with the assembled scribes and chimed in on a variety of subjects over the 10-minute session.

Schneider said he treated himself to a celebratory beer with his colleagues after an 8-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies a night earlier. He kept the lineup card as a souvenir and plans to get it framed.