Boston Red Sox principal owner John W. Henry has taken matters into his own hands to help the team's free agency endeavors. In Toronto, the Blue Jays' ownership is looking to replace their CEO.
On Friday, Henry flew to the Atlanta area to meet with free-agent left-hander Jon Lester, according to WEEI.com. The Red Sox made the first contract offer to Lester in November, but he has a number of offers on the table from other teams, including the Chicago Cubs. The San Francisco Giants have met with him and the Los Angeles Dodgers are believed to be interested as well.
The Red Sox were the first team to meet with Lester when he hit the free agent market, but he has met with the Cubs, Giants and Braves since and it was said he wouldn't be making a decision before the MLB Winter Meetings, which began on Sunday.
"With Lester on the cusp of making a decision as to where he might sign, Henry´s visit was thought to be a chance for the owner to re-emphasize the Red Sox´ interest in signing the lefty," WEEI.com noted. "It was the second time Henry has met with Lester at the pitcher´s home during the free agent process, although the previous get-together was with other members of Sox´ownership."
Also in the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays are perhaps on the cusp of making a big move of their own. According to sources, the team is looking for a new president/CEO to replace Paul Beeston because ownership was "not pleased with some of his actions during the search for a replacement for commissioner Bud Selig," writes Buster Olney.
The 69-year-old Beeston was the first employee of the Blue Jays back in 1976 and served as the team's president/CEO from 1989-1997 and from 2008-present. From 1997-2002 he was the president of Major League Baseball.
Toronto is reportedly interested in Baltimore Orioles' executive vice president and general manager Dan Duquette as well as Chicago White Sox's executive vice president Ken Williams. These two could potentially replace Beeston, who may retire at the end of this year.