MLB Franchise Notes: Blue Jays Adopt New Policy Prohibiting Lateral Moves

Blue Jays President & CEO Paul Beeston issued a "formal announcement" yesterday that read, "Due to the distraction caused by media speculation regarding our employee permission policy, the Toronto Blue Jays have amended their policy and will not grant permission for lateral moves." The GLOBE & MAIL's Jeff Blair reports two days after a report indicated that the Red Sox viewed Blue Jays Manager John Farrell as their "preferred choice to replace departed manager Terry Francona, Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos was clear: Blue Jays employees will not be able to make lateral moves, even if compensation is offered." The Jays have been "like the vast majority of pro sports teams in that they didn’t stand in the way of employees being courted for promotions." But Blair notes they will "now be in lock-step with everyone else when it comes to lateral moves" (GLOBE & MAIL, 10/26).

HALLOWEEN TREAT: ESPN N.Y.'s Marchand & Matthews reported the Yankees and GM Brian Cashman "fully expect to have a new contract signed by Halloween." A team official said yesterday, "It will be done by Oct. 31." Since the regular season ended, Cashman and Yankees officials "have repeatedly stated they expect Cashman to return." It is "just a matter of when it will be officially announced." Reports yesterday indicated that Cashman and Yankees Managing General Partner & co-Chair Hal Steinbrenner "met at Yankee Stadium." Cashman later this week "will head to Tampa for the team's organizational meetings" (ESPNNY.com, 10/25).

FISHING IN FLORIDA: In L.A., Mike DiGiovanna cited sources as saying that the Angels "remain highly interested" in Rays Exec VP/Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, but their chances of "luring the 34-year-old executive away from the Rays are slim." Friedman's "loyalty to Tampa Bay Owner Stuart Sternberg, who has referred to Friedman as 'a partner,' appears to be the biggest obstacle to the Angels luring him to Anaheim" (L.A. TIMES, 10/25).

PRICE ADJUSTMENT: The Mariners and Qcue yesterday announced a partnership that will allow for dynamic pricing on single-game tickets for the '12 season. The Mariners will use Qcue software to set and adjust ticket prices in real-time based on demand for a game, taking into account factors such as day of the week, weather, opponent, pitching matchups and team performance. It is estimated that the majority of Mariners tickets for next season will be priced at or below '11 prices (Mariners). 

MAKE THE SWTICH: In Houston, Richard Justice noted he is in favor of the Astros switching to the AL in '13. Justice: "I think a Rangers-Astros rivalry overshadows the extra late games. I also like the idea of having the Yankees or Red Sox at Minute Maid Park every season" (CHRON.com, 10/24).