Cesar Tordesillas

New Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Jon Daniels wants Hall of Famer and CEO Nolan Ryan to stay despite a reduced role with the organization.

"First of all, I don't want him to leave," Daniels told ESPN Dallas 103.3's Fitzsimmons and Durrett Show. "I don't think anybody wants him to leave, and I know I've expressed that to him. In my mind, (that pushing Ryan out) would not be the case."

The Rangers have promoted Daniels, the club's general manager since 2005, to president of baseball operations, taking the designation away from Ryan, who has played a critical role in steering the Rangers out of bankruptcy and to two World Series appearances.

Daniels said he talked with Ryan after the changes were announced because he wanted to clear the air and nip in the bud any issue that would emerge from his appointment.

According to sources, Ryan is contemplating stepping down from his position and leaving the Rangers by the end of spring training.

"I think we have a mutual respect. I talked to him over the weekend. I talked to him every day since this has come about. I don't get any sense that Nolan has any issue with me or concern about that, but I can't really speak for him," Daniels said.

With his new position, Daniels said he would "effectively" have final say on baseball decisions, although he believed Ryan would have veto power.

However, Daniels said he had not discussed those details with Ryan yet.

"I report up through Nolan," Daniels said. "The day-to-day responsibilities of running the department are for me and the individual department heads. I'll solicit Nolan's opinions and input and communicate with him."

Article: Copyright ©

New Rangers president wants Nolan Ryan to remain CEO