TORONTO

The old boss and the new boss of the Toronto Blue Jays say they’re keen to work together.

In a panel discussion hosted by the Canadian Club on Wednesday, former Jays president Paul Beeston and current president Mark Shapiro said they have an open dialogue.

“He’s learning the country, he’s learning the ownership,” Beeston said of Shapiro, looking over to a table of laughing guests from Rogers.

But Shapiro stressed Beeston — who threw out the first pitch of the Jays’ home opener last Friday — is still a big part of the team.

“There’s only one person who will be the Toronto Blue Jays and that’s Paul Beeston,” Shapiro replied. “The title may change but the status won’t.”

Beeston made it clear Shapiro is in charge — and rubbed in the pressure.

“Mark, don’t screw it up,” Beeston joked.

Shapiro remained confident the Jays are going to do well this season.

“I think there’s no doubt these guys are going to hit, we’ve got one of the best lineups in the big leagues,” he said.

Although the Jays have been off to a rocky start, centre fielder Kevin Pillar urged the lunchtime crowd to stay on the bandwagon.

“Stay with us, have a little faith,” Pillar told the crowd, pointing to the Jays’ slow start in April and May of last season as reason not to worry.

Shapiro credited Pillar for his work ethic after being a 32nd-round selection.

“He’s proven 30 teams wrong,” he said.