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Let's us this as an open thread for Alex's press conference. CBC.ca has it live, here. I'm sure Sportsnet will have it too.
The Jays have sent out two press releases talking about Alex's departure.
Ed Rogers tells us:
Alex has done a terrific job as GM of the Blue Jays over the past six seasons, and we would have loved it if he stayed with the club. Like the fans, we too are disappointed he has chosen not to accept our five-year contract offer, but we wish him the very best. Alex leaves behind an outstanding front office team and coaching staff that played a key role in shaping the team's great run this season. They will continue to operate in leadership roles next year as we look to build upon the team's success. We remain committed to putting a winning team on the field and look forward to many more exciting seasons for the Blue Jays.
Carefully letting us know it was Alex's choice to leave, "we offered him lots of money, he just didn't want to be here".
Paul Beeston took a moment from packing up his office to tell us:
After an exciting 2015 season, Alex Anthopoulos has reluctantly and regrettably decided that he is not going to return to the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club for 2016. Alex has done an unbelievable job and positioned us well for the future. He can take great pride in his past and while we do not know where his future is taking him, we do know wherever he is going, he will be successful. On behalf of all the employees of the Toronto Blue Jays, players, front office, scouts and player development staff we wish him good luck in the future and thank him for a job extremely well done.
A company man right to the end.
It will be interesting how much of the Jays' front office leaves with Alex and how much of the coaching staff stays.
Personally, I'm sorry to see him go, he brought an excitement back to the team. Not all the moves worked, I didn't agree with them all, but he did manage to get people talking about the Jays again. He brought attendance. He made us hopeful again.
I really think the optics are bad for the Jays. Alex was popular. We just made the playoffs, for the first time in 22 years. Fans were happy. It just doesn't look good.