TORONTO – Changes in the Toronto Blue Jays’ front office continue as senior vice-president of business operations Stephen Brooks is resigning from his position and Andrew Miller is expected to be hired from the Cleveland Indians, according to multiple industry sources.
Brooks, well known to Blue Jays fans on social media by frequently answering questions regarding stadium and ticket matters, is to remain in his position until April 22.
It’s unclear what the exact role will be for Miller, currently senior vice-president strategy and business analytics for the Indians. He’s the latest import from Cleveland, joining Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins, while player development advisor Eric Wedge served as Indians manager from 2003-09.
Brooks joined Rogers Communications in 2004 and became the Blue Jays’ vice-president of finance before the 2009 season. He operated as the number two under former president and CEO Paul Beeston.
A graduate of the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School, Brooks worked on business operations for the Blue Jays and Rogers Centre, including corporate partnerships, marketing, community initiatives and the new-look infield the club installed for the 2016 season.
Miller pitched at UC Berkeley, where he graduated with a degree in business administration from the Haas School of Business before spending seven years in investment banking. He joined the Indians in 2006 as a baseball operations assistant, was promoted to assistant director of baseball operations for the 2008 season and was later promoted again to assist Shapiro during his transition to Indians president.
In 2013, he took over the role he currently holds, leading the club’s strategic planning, research and analysis in all areas related to business operations. He also advised the baseball operations department on negotiations and strategic issues, reporting directly to Shapiro.
Notably, an Indians media release announcing his promotion to his current posting described him as "instrumental in the development, construction and operations" of the club’s spring facility in Goodyear, Ariz.
Last week, Shapiro said he was "optimistic" about reaching a deal in Dunedin to refurbish Florida Auto Exchange Stadium and Bobby Mattick Training Center, a priority for him since taking over the team in November.
