There has been a shift of power in Arlington, Texas. A change in the front offices for the Rangers could see one of their leading figures out on the streets. The organization announced Jon Daniels was recently promoted to president of baseball operations for the Rangers and Ricker George was promoted to president of business operations. While Nolan Ryan is still reining CEO of the team, the shifts in power could see him leaving the organization, as early as Opening Day.
The recent promotions now have Daniels making the final decisions regarding the Rangers, with George making the final decisions on business matters. This leads to a dramatic decrease in power for Ryan. Rangers' co-owner Bob Simpson is shooting down any sort of rumors that Ryan is leaving the organization, stating that Ryan leaving the Rangers would be an absolute tragedy.
"We absolutely do not want Nolan to leave. The moves we announced were to preserve Nolan, not to remove him, or remove his power. We want Nolan to be with the Rangers forever, and in charge of the team as long as he wants to be," Simpson said.
Simpson has long been considered an ally of Ryan's. He denies that Ryan has been stripped of any sort of power. Simpson believes that Ryan has the wisdom to counsel the team to success. Sources are reporting that Ryan has no plans to retire with the Rangers. If the team no longer wants him in charge, then he will not hesitate to leave and go elsewhere.
"Our plan is not to let anyone leave. We want to keep them all. What we now have in place, we hope that happens," Simpson said.
Ryan currently has three years remaining on his contract with the Rangers. However, egos and power could force to leave early. The Rangers management recently came under fire after the team was unable to make any big offseason moves. They let Josh Hamilton leave, along with several key free agents. While Ryan was not directly involved in those moves, as CEO it directly reflected on him.
Ryan is a key figure in the state of Texas. Letting him go could be a potential PR disaster for the Rangers. If he does leave the organization, numerous clubs who are in need of a new face and force of the team would come calling.
