Beeston appointed new Jays CEO

[Hoopstarrzz]

The search ultimately ended where it began. On Tuesday, the Blue Jays announced that Paul Beeston would remain on as the president and CEO of the ballclub and Rogers Centre in a three-year deal, removing the interim tag he has held for the past year.

"While we interviewed a number of highly qualified individuals for the position, Paul's unique set of qualities made him our clear first choice," said Tony Viner, president and CEO of Rogers Media, the division of Rogers Communications Inc. that runs the Blue Jays.

It's a familiar role for Beeston, who was the first employee of the Toronto Blue Jays in 1976 and eventually was named the president and CEO of the team in 1991. Beeston held that role until leaving to become the chief operating officer of Major League Baseball in 1997 -- a job he held for six years.

Discuss. I don't know whether I like this move or not.

[evilRyu]

Hmmmmm.... he made it very clear that his current position was temporary.. We'll see how this goes

[Schad]

I'm not overjoyed with it. I think the "buy Canadian" thing he has pushed is wrong-headed...Canadian players are just as interested in money as anyone else. My takeaway from the Paxton and Eliopolous debacles (where he apparently appointed himself chief negotiator) is that he thought he could convince them to take a hometown discount, and wasn't willing to budge when it became clear that they wouldn't.

I like the idea of building a team with an identity, but that identity should revolve around a style of play, not a player's nationality.

[SharoneWright]

I like the idea of building a team with an identity, but that identity should revolve around a style of play, not a player's nationality.

100% correct. I go to games to watch a winner.

(kinda OT but....) Just how dumb was this:

[LittleOzzy]

I like the idea of building a team with an identity, but that identity should revolve around a style of play, not a player's nationality.

100% correct. I go to games to watch a winner.

(kinda OT but....) Just how dumb was this:

Bad... but so is our current logo.

[youngLion]

I like the idea of building a team with an identity, but that identity should revolve around a style of play, not a player's nationality.

100% correct. I go to games to watch a winner.

(kinda OT but....) Just how dumb was this:

Bad... but so is our current logo.

At least it's not a dinosaur...

As for the actual topic at hand, I suppose Beeston is as good a choice as any. He's already got a relationship with Anthopoulos and he presumably has more pull than anyone with the corporate ownership, which could come in handy if anyone decides to ask for that $120m budget.

It still kind of feels like the franchise is in stasis though. When Beeston was the interim, we could look forward to the introduction of a new prez as a turning point, a time to redefine direction and methodology. Now that Beeston is staying on it just feels like the status quo, and while I haven't heard him talk on the subject of staying on board yet, I have to wonder if we'll get the kind of clear mission statement we've (or at least I) have been waiting for on the direction of this franchise.

[Mustard_Tiger]

So basically nothing has really changed from last year, then. That's kind of...disappointing.

[spykelee]

I like Paul Beeston and all, but I don't like this move... Based off the fact he said he didn't want the position and it was made available that the jays where interviewing alot of likely candidates... It doesn't seem to me like Beeston won the job, so much as got it by default when nobody else either A) impressed enough to get offered it or B) wasn't impressed enough with management/direction etc etc to take the position. I think the latter is pretty likely personally.

[youngLion]

http://www.fan590.com/media.jsp?content ... 82806_2752

Beeston with Bobcat talking about his 'new gig'. He says the revelation came three weeks ago.

He also talks about a meeting he had with Halladay recently. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that.

[LieCheatSteal]

Not terribly exciting. Everything old is new again. Heck, they even brought Mel Queen back.

On the flip side, the old is from the successful early 90s teams, cleansing the palate from the crappy JP era.

I kinda see what the Jays are trying to do. Bring back some of the old guard as support for the new guard. With Beeston back, I can see Gillick back as a special consultant and Gaston moved to roving instructor, as opposed to full time manager because I don't think he has the patience to do this line of work anymore (witness the pitching staff revolt). I'm hoping an experienced guy like Showalter be added as manager.

[Michael Bradley]

Beeston hasn't done anything in the past year to fill me with confidence, but his history is pretty good so I will look at this in an optimistic light for the time being. Beeston is very well respected around baseball and this franchise needs a touch of credibility and class after the JPR era. Really I am more concerned with AA and how he does.

I am not looking forward to this franchise without Roy Halladay, so I sincerely hope building a team around him (and re-signing him) is priority #1 here.

[-MetA4-]

Look for a big payroll increase.

I'm not going to lie, I'm not sure I like the direction they appear to want to go in. This is looking very Maple-Leafish with Burke.