John Gibbons is returning as the Toronto Blue Jays manager

John Gibbons was manager of the Blue Jays from 2004 – 2008 and his record was 305 – 305. He had a great year in 2006 with an 87 -75 record.

I earlier wrote John Gibbons lied about his tour of duty in Vietnam. I have to apologize to John Gibbons. It was Tim Johnsons who lied about his tour of duty in Vietnam. Tim did that in 1999 spring training.

Alex Anthopoulos wanted to hire someone he was familiar with during his days as an assistant G.M. to J.P. Ricardi. I question the validity of this hire. John Gibbons was an in-your-face tough guy who had 2 major blow-ups with players (Shea Hillebrand and Ted Lily). Most of the Blue Jays’ best players are Latin American players who will not respond well to a manager who gets in their face and yells at them. Those days are over.

Every candidate mentioned for the Toronto Blue Jays job was white. They never considered Sandy Alomar Jr. Maybe baseball should implement the “Rooney Rule,” which has increased the hiring of minorities as NFL head coaches. The rule is that for any head coaching position available the team must interview at least 1 minority candidate. Baseball should do the same to increase Black or Hispanic hires.

Alex Anthopoulos made a few great player moves but made aquestionable decision when hiring his manager? Did John Gibbons improve his leadership skills during his 4 years away from managing? I understand it hurt that John Farrell used the Toronto Blue Jays as a training ground and always wanted to be the Boston Red Sox manager.

I am sure after being passed over for many Manager positions that Sandy Alomar Jr. would have committed to being the Toronto Blue Jays manager for a long time.

Do you like the John Gibbons hiring?

Enjoy your day!

 

Blue Jays signed Melky Cabrera 2 years for 16 million….

I did comment on November 5, 2012 that the Blue Jays should sign Torii Hunter. A few people advised the Jays don’t need another bat and needed pitching.

Detroit Tigers signed Torii Hunter for 2-year 26 million dollar contract.

Melky may be cheaper than Hunter, but I wanted Hunter because of the leadership he brings to the locker room. I’m not sure the Jays’ locker room can handle the media circus that would be associated with Melky Cabrera’s return to baseball.

I don’t like this move. It was an over-the-top move. Yes, it is a short-term deal at 2 years. I wanted a middle of the line up hitter who can drive runs in and be a locker room leader. Melky will not fill the leadership void in the Blue Jays’ locker room.

Did you like this signing or not?

Enjoy your day!