Chicago Cubs give McLeod new role
Without using the word "promotion," the Chicago Cubs did some front-office-shuffling Wednesday.
The Cubs announced that Jason McLeod will be "transitioning" from senior vice president of amateur scouting and player development to senior vice president of player personnel.
"In his new role, McLeod will be involved in all aspects of the major-league operation with particular focus on the roster construction and day-to-day workings of the major-league club," a team news release reads.
Early speculation was that the Cubs were trying to preempt the Boston Red Sox from hiring McLeod for an executive position after this week's firing of Dave Dombrowski. However, Cubs people insist there is no connection.
McLeod came to the Cubs in the fall of 2011, when Theo Epstein was named team president. Epstein hired McLeod and general manager Jed Hoyer.
It's believed the Cubs will search within the organization and from without to fill McLeod's previous role. Under McLeod, the Cubs have first-round draft picks such as Albert Almora, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Ian Happ on the major-league roster.
The biggest criticism of McLeod is that the Cubs have failed to draft and develop impact pitching.