The Jays have sent out this press release:
BLUE JAYS STATEMENT on EMPLOYEE PERMISSION POLICY
"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."
- Paul Beeston, President & CEO & Alex Anthopoulos, Senior V.P. Baseball Operations and General Manager
That makes a lot of sense to me. If a guy could get a promotion it would be scummy to stand in his way, but if he is just moving from the same job at a different team, then, well, he has a contract with us. He should honor it.
I still think that, if John Farrell really wanted to go to the Red Sox (or maybe Cubs) you almost have to let him go. It doesn't do you any good to keep a guy against his will. But I think this policy is a good idea. We shouldn't be looked at as a training ground for other baseball teams or a spot where people can collect a pay cheque until the job they really want opens up.
We'll see if this slows down the rumors surrounding Farrell. I doubt it.