According to the link that Agie posted (thanks again Agie!), Jason "named Armored Saint bassist Joey Vera and Ozzy/Alice In Chains sideman Mike Inez as likely choices to fill his shoes. "It has to be someone who they already know…that is very capable. Joey Vera and Mike Inez make quite a bit of sense." This is the first I've heard of their names being mentioned, but I must agree; either would be a good fit. Also, I know that after Cliff was killed, Les Claypool (Primus) auditioned, but his style was DRASTICALLY different from Metallica's. With their more recent sound, I wonder if they might reconsider him. Just a thought.