Shapiro (r) said he is happy where he is despite the Mets having interest in him for their vacant GM positionGETTY IMAGES
Blue Jays President & CEO Mark Shapiro is "confident" the franchise has a solid plan to restore its on-field fortunes despite suffering from a second-straight losing season and "plummeting attendance" at Rogers Centre, according to Robert MacLeod of the GLOBE & MAIL. Shapiro said that he is "happy where he is" despite the Mets having interest in him for their vacant GM position. Shapiro said of Toronto, "It's been an exceptional place to be. ... I feel even more bullish on what incredible opportunity there is here to build something, over multiple years, that captures an entire nation and achieves levels that we dream about." Shapiro also "disputed an August radio report" that claimed he was "at odds with some of his bosses" at Rogers. Shapiro: "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" (GLOBE & MAIL, 9/8).
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE...: TSN.ca's Steve Phillips noted the Mets have "confirmed that there is no substance to the story" regarding their interest in Shapiro. He "oversees both baseball and business operations" for the Blue Jays, and that is not a "level of responsibility that the Mets are looking to fill." Mets COO Jeff Wilpon's responsibilities are "similar to those that Shapiro has." Shapiro "wouldn't leave the Blue Jays for a lesser role," and Wilpon "isn't relinquishing any of his responsibilities." Shapiro has "every intention of finishing what he has started and hopes to bring a championship north of the border." Wilpon and his father, Mets Chair & CEO Fred Wilpon, will "likely be calling Shapiro, but it will be to talk about a couple of his employees." The Mets reportedly "have interest" in Blue Jays VP/Baseball Operations & Assistant GM Tony LaCava and VP/Baseball Operations Ben Cherington. Both are "well respected in the industry" (TSN.ca, 9/7).
