KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Former Gold Glove second baseman Frank White has been told he will not be the next manager of the Kansas City Royals.

"At this point, it doesn't come down to is he capable of being a major league manager," general manager Allard Baird told The Associated Press Tuesday night. "I think he is. He can do unlimited things in this game.

"What it came down to is what position will allow him to have the greatest impact on our organization. We felt the place where Frank can have the greatest impact right now is where he is."

The 51-year-old White became a special assistant to the general manager this season after several years as first base coach. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

An eight-time Gold Glove winner during the Royals' championship years in the 1970s and '80s, he is a native Kansas Citian and one of the most popular players in team history.

Baird has been conducting a managerial search since firing Tony Muser on April 29. The day before, White had confided to friends that he would apply for the job if it became open.

"I really would love to manage," he said. "I think I would have the respect of the players and I would love the challenge."

Baird said he met with White on Monday night and then again on Tuesday morning.

"We talked at length," Baird said from Philadelphia. "We need him in the position he's in now."

John Mizerock was elevated from bench coach as interim manager and is a candidate for the job, as is Omaha Royals manager Bucky Dent. Baird declined to identify others on his short list.