Toronto Blue Jays @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

Assistant GM McCleary leaves Jays

10/27/2005
TORONTO -- The Blue Jays announced a change in their front office Thursday, when assistant general manager Tim McCleary parted ways with the team.
McCleary's expertise lay in the interpretation of rules and contracts, a role that may not be filled in the foreseeable future. Paul Godfrey, the team's president and CEO, explained the move in a prepared statement.
"We thank Tim for his many and varied contributions to the club and have a high regard for him both personally and professionally," said Godfrey. "At this time, no decision has been made on a replacement for his position."
The Jays recently promoted former scout Sal Butera to the role of assistant general manager, but Butera's experience lies in baseball matters as opposed to procedural ones. McCleary joined Toronto in November 1995, and he helped prepare the team for contract negotiations, budgeting and the arbitration process.
He gained experience in those areas by working for the Office of the Commissioner from 1986 to 1992. McCleary started as an intern and worked his way to director of player and waiver records before moving on to his first front office job.
McCleary worked for three years with the Yankees as assistant general manager before joining the Jays in the same capacity. After four years, he was promoted to vice president. Now, the Jays have one less voice speaking up in consultation.
"This was a truly difficult decision to make," said J.P. Ricciardi, Toronto's general manager. "Tim is more than just a good baseball man, he's a good friend. But we felt we needed to make a change."

Source: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/

posted by David @ 5:14 AM