Numerous reports indicate that the Jays are trying to hire Dan Duquette from the Orioles. The team wants Duquette to become the new President of the club. However, Duquette is under contract with the Orioles thorough 2018. In order to get Duquette, Toronto would have to "trade" for him.
Orioles owner Peter Angelos adamantly denied that the Orioles are in negotiations with the Blue Jays regarding Duquette. Angelos told the Baltimore Sun:
“We are not negotiating with them in any way. They have expressed interest in Dan Duquette, which we understand because Dan is an exceptional GM. But we are not in any negotiations with Mr. Rogers. We have a contract [with Duquette], and that’s the end of it.”Angelos did concede that if the Blue Jays made an offer, he would take a look at the proposition, but he is not actively negotiating and has no intent on allowing Duquette to leave for a division rival. It is believed that the Orioles would have to be blown away to part with Duquette, and historically speaking, compensation for parting with executives has been minimal.
Current president Paul Beeston is still set to represent the Jays at the upcoming owner’s meetings, Morosi adds. Of course, it would be a stretch to expect Duquette to be up and running in such short order, and a transition period will obviously be necessary regardless of when (and with whom) a contract is signed.
Duquette is the unsung hero in the Boston Red Sox championship seasons, He was ousted prior to the first championship season due to conflicts with Red Sox executives. He has been credited with the fine turnaround with the Orioles franchise in recent years. He has a good resume of rebuilding clubs, so it makes sense for the Blue Jays to be interested in his services.
