Odd news to wake up to this morning: After being the man leading the charge to take control of the Texas Rangers last summer, and having been very much the public face of the franchise in the months since, Chuck Greenberg's gone. Did he jump or was he pushed? According to the Rangers' Official Press Release that follows -- containing statements both from the ownership group and Greenberg himself -- the answer appears to be: The ownership group -- Ray Davis and Bob Simpson, the co-chairs of Rangers Baseball Express LLC wanted him gone.
They don't get specific in their lengthy remarks, though Jeff Wilson this morning offer myriad reasons, from the handling of Jon Daniels' contract extension to his way-too-hands-on approach when it came to Cliff Lee to his getting the Atlanta Braves upset over a minor-league team move.
But Greenberg has this to say: "Unfortunately, Nolan Ryan, the Co-Chairmen, and I have somewhat
different styles. While I am disappointed we did not work through our
differences, I remain wholeheartedly committed to doing what's right for
the franchise."
The whole release follows. The Rangers just announced they've scheduled a 3:30 p.m. press conference at the Ballpark in Arlington, with Simpson, Davis and Ryan.
CEO CHUCK GREENBERG TO LEAVE TEXAS RANGERS
ARLINGTON, TX--The Texas Rangers today announced that Chuck Greenberg, Chief Executive Officer, is leaving the organization.
Team President Nolan Ryan will add the title of CEO and oversee all baseball and business operations for the organization, reporting directly to the team's Board of Directors.
The Co-Chairmen of Rangers Baseball Express LLC, Ray Davis and Bob Simpson, issued the following statement:
"We greatly appreciate Chuck Greenberg's hard work, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the team, our fans and the Dallas-Fort Worth communities. Chuck is a dynamic leader with superb strategic, operational and business development skills, and under his and Nolan Ryan's direction, we have accomplished a great deal in a short time. We thank Chuck for his many contributions to the organization, and wish him well in his future endeavors. At the same time, we are very confident in the continued success and further development of the Texas Rangers under Nolan's leadership."
Further, the Co-Chairmen stated, "Chuck's departure will have no effect on the team's operation and we look forward to working with Nolan Ryan as this organization continues to grow and prosper. The baseball group has demonstrated its quest for excellence under the skillful leadership of Jon Daniels. On the business side, we also have a deep bench of experienced executives who always put our fans first and will ensure our ambitious plans for the 2011 season stay on track. We appreciate Chuck's contributions and wish him all the best."
Greenberg said, "I have great respect for the Texas Rangers franchise and am enormously proud of all we have accomplished together since August. Unfortunately, Nolan Ryan, the Co-Chairmen, and I have somewhat different styles. While I am disappointed we did not work through our differences, I remain wholeheartedly committed to doing what's right for the franchise. Together we concluded it is best for all concerned for me to sell my interest back to Rangers Baseball Express and move on. I do so with a heavy heart, but with every confidence in the direction that the new management team is taking the Rangers and, with Nolan at the helm, I know this franchise will continue to thrive and reach even greater heights both on and off the field."
"Chuck's determination during an extremely long and complicated sales process was crucial in delivering a positive outcome for our ownership group last August," commented Ryan, who originally joined the Rangers as President on February 6, 2008. "We owe him a great deal of thanks for those efforts and I wish him only the best.
Ryan added, "I am excited about the future of the Texas Rangers in so many ways. Our front office is comprised of talented and passionate people who come to work every day with the goal of making us the best organization in Major League Baseball, on and off the field."
Rangers Baseball Express LLC completed its purchase of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and related assets from Texas Rangers Baseball Partners on August 12, 2010 and is the sixth owner in club history.
