The Blue Jays organization suffered a heavy blow with the death of its owner, Ted Rogers. Rogers, 75, who purchased the Jays in 2000, died of heart complications.
His death leaves the Blue Jays in a state of flux as to whether his family or his company, Rogers Communications Inc., is willing to continue running the franchise. And if they do, for how long? "I guess the major issue will be whether the next CEO (of Rogers Communications Inc.) shares the same long-term vision that Ted Rogers had for the team," said outgoing president and CEO Paul Godfrey, who leaves his position Dec. 31. "Over the short term, I would say the next two years or so, I'd bet the team will stay in Rogers hands.
"What happens beyond that depends, I'm sure, on the company's direction, the economy, foreign exchange and the attitude of the fans in Toronto. I know one thing: Ted would want the Jays to remain in Toronto, but now that will be someone else's call."
The Jays, who are in negotiations to retain free agent right-hander A.J. Burnett, said they would likely save the money they would have to pay Burnett if he signed elsewhere rather than spend it on other free agents. In that way, their payroll would drop from about $97 million to around $83-85 million.
The uncertainty regarding ownership will also be problematic for interim president Paul Beeston in his search for a new president and CEO.
