Now this would be headline-worthy.

As the Phillies search for a manager to replace Pete Mackanin and lead a young, rising team into the future, a surprise candidate has entered the rumor mill: Ruben Amaro Jr.

Yes, as in the team's ex-general manager.

According to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, Amaro Jr.'s name is under consideration for the gig.

Other candidates believed to be in consideration for the Phillies include Dusty Wathan, manager of the franchise's Triple A Lehigh Valley team; Larry Bowa, Philadelphia's bench coach and the conscience of the organization; Red Sox first base coach Ruben Amaro Jr., the former Phillies GM who acquired some of the team's top young players; Eric Wedge, who was MacPhail's choice for the Orioles job ahead of Showalter; and Charlie Montoyo, who was recently promoted by the Rays to bench coach.

Cafardo led his Phillies note with Orioles manager Buck Showalter, the connection to Philadelphia's front office and the unlikelihood that Baltimore owner Peter Angelos would allow it to happen.

But the Amaro Jr. nugget stood out.

Would the Phillies really even consider bringing the maligned former executive back for an interview? Did his time as a Boston first base coach truly prepare for him for this kind of gig? Would a conversation between Matt Klentak (the executive that replaced Amaro in Philadelphia's front office) and Amaro be awkward?

While the idea does seem crazy, there is one aspect of the thought that at least brings some intrigue: Amaro (and his scouts) are responsible for acquiring many of the young player still comprising the 40-man roster.

Amaro, 52, was the Phillies general manager from 2009-2015. The team won back-to-back division titles in his first three seasons before falling off from 2012-2015.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.