Blue Jays: Mark Shapiro on Mets, Indians and more

Ahead of Friday night’s tilt against the Cleveland Indians, Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro met with reporters to discuss a variety of topics.

Though certainly not what Blue Jays fans were hoping for at this very point in time, Mark Shapiro, Blue Jays President and CEO, met with reporters Friday and addressed a variety of different topics.

Firstly, Shapiro was asked about being linked to the New York Mets in their search for a new set of executives. When asked about the Mets specifically, Shapiro responded:

“I feel as – if not more – excited to be here than the day that I chose to come here three years ago. For all the same reasons… This is where I want to be. This is where I am. This is what I’m focused on. And I don’t need to think about anything else.Source: Arden Zwelling, Sportsnet

Next, Shapiro praised the Blue Jays farm system, noting, according to Baseball Toronto’s Keegan Matheson that the team is “the No. 4 farm system in Major League Baseball based on their internal analytic model that forecasts future WAR”. As confident as this statement is, it’s also rather reasonable, perhaps even a bit underselling. Regardless, the president of the organization is clearly as excited about the farm system as the fans.

Shapiro, a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, briefly touched on his former club, the Cleveland Indians, and the temporary removal of their controversial Chief Wahoo from their uniforms on their recent trip to Toronto. On the subject of Chief Wahoo, Shapiro said the following:

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“I never said it when I was in Cleveland, but I struggled with Chief Wahoo from the day I got there in 1992 to the day I left. I was happy to see it consistently get diminished, and I will shed no tears when it’s gone completely.”Source: Craig Calcaterra, NBC Sports

The Blue Jays boss fleetingly touched on the payroll, telling reporters simply that “[the Blue Jays] haven’t set the payroll next year”. (Source: Shi Davidi, Sportsnet)

Finally, Shapiro spoke about rumours that there is somewhat of a rift between himself and Blue Jays ownership at Rogers. Bluntly denying the report, which originated from popular radio host Bob McCown of Sportsnet 590 the Fan, Shapiro said:

“I don’t know where those reports come from. I’ve received nothing but strong support. I probably have a level of operational day-to-day trust and empowerment that if not unparalleled is among the best in Major League Baseball. I feel a strong sense of support and alignment with the people I report to.”Source: Shi Davidi, Sportsnet

While Shapiro’s comments do not offer any empowering insight into the inner workings of the organization, they do provide a decent level of knowledge not before known. While fans may complain about a lack of transparency, the front office seems to, for the most part, have a legitimate and coherent plan as to how they’re going to manage, run and carry this franchise forward.