Dee Will Stay With Red Sox

Mike Dee has decided to remain with the Boston Red Sox instead of pursuing the Dodger presidency.

Dee, the Red Sox executive vice president of business affairs, had emerged as the leading candidate to replace Bob Graziano, who recently said he plans to leave the organization this month.

New Dodger owners Frank and Jamie McCourt were deep into the process of hiring Dee to succeed Graziano as head of day-to-day operations. But Boston launched a preemptive strike Saturday, offering to promote Dee to chief operating officer and make him president of the club’s new business venture, the Red Sox announced Sunday.

Red Sox owner John Henry apparently wanted an answer immediately, prompting Dee, who had not completed negotiations with the McCourts, to remain with the American League club. Moreover, the Red Sox had planned to seek a draft pick as compensation had the Dodgers hired Dee.

Derrick Hall, Dodger senior vice president, spoke on behalf of the McCourts.

“A search continues simultaneously with the evaluation of the organization surrounding this particular position,” said Hall, who did not comment specifically on the Dee situation. “As the McCourts have said, they’re reviewing all aspects of the business operation to determine what they believe works best for the organization.”

Dee formerly was the marketing director for the San Diego Padres under Larry Lucchino, now Boston’s president and chief executive. Dee is said to be among Lucchino’s top advisors.

It is unclear whether the McCourts, longtime Red Sox fans, still are focused on filling the Dodger president position with someone from the Red Sox.

Meanwhile, Graziano, who tendered his letter of resignation to the Dodgers on Feb. 20, is scheduled to leave the club March 22. Kris Rone, executive vice president of business operations, also has resigned, citing philosophical differences with the McCourts, and said she will be leaving in April.

Two Dodger executives said the McCourts, displaying their hands-on approach daily, might eliminate the president position or combine the duties of Graziano and Rone in one position under Jamie McCourt, the vice chairman.